Rhetorical Analysis Of Abigail Adams Letter To John Quincy Adams

Abigail Adams writes to her son, John Quincy Adams, who was living in France with his father, who was in an extremely important diplomatic position. This letter was written during the American Revolution, and it serves as a call to action: to be great, to be a hero, to make the best of bad times. Adams utilizes an instructive tone along with specific diction, metaphors, and commands throughout her letter to both chastise and rebuke her son, with the purpose of providing helpful advice and direction. Adams begins her letter with an almost immediate criticism of her son: she doesn’t believe he has the “proper deliberation” to make life-altering choices, like moving to France. This rhetorical technique serves to belittle J.Q. Adams while establishing Adams’ wisdom and capability to pass judgment. By refusing to apologize for taking

Adams argues that the timing of his adulthood prevents him from achieving what his mother wishes for him by, instead, describing it as the perfect opportunity. Adams also sets up a false dichotomy for her son by claiming that “experience” leads to “wisdom,” whereas “leisure” leads nowhere. Adams employs this rhetorical technique to force her son into action and, from there, achievement. Through her use of metaphors and false dichotomies, Adams continues to pressure her son to take advantage of his position, so that he may achieve fame and glory. Finally, Adams raises the stakes in her argument by including religious references, as well as referencing J.Q. Adams’ legacy. Adams notes that “war, tyranny, and desolation are the scourges of the Almighty,” but that it is her son’s duty to witness said “calamities.” By invoking God, Adams is able to deepen her argument by claiming that it is not just herself who wants greatness from her son, but also what J.Q. Adams’ religion is a