Abigail Adams: A Mother's Aspirations for America

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A Mother's Advice In 1780, only a few years after the United States got its independence from Great Britain, John Adams, diplomat and later the second president of the United States, takes his son along with him to his meeting abroad. During their trip, his wife Abigail Adams writes to their son, John Quincy Adams, to motivate him as he is about begin his political career. In the letter, Abigail Adams reminds Quincy Adams of her expectations regarding his duty towards his country through the use of an analogy and ethos, while displaying her motherly affection and teachings with emotional diction to develop a intense yet caring tone as well as encouraging him by comparing him to a historical allusion. Adams reminds her son of how privileged …show more content…

In the beginning of her letter she shows concern when she says, "I hope you have had no occasion, either from enemies or the dangers of the seas". Adams's choice of negative diction such as "enemies" and "dangers" being balanced by positive diction such as "hope" displays a maternal tone thus shifting the connotation of the rest of the letter. When she advises and reminds Quincy Adams of her expectations, her apprehension confirms she wants the wellbeing of her child thus sounding more considerate and caring instead of domineering and commanding. Granted that Abigail Adams hopes for the safety and welfare of her son, she also wants Quincy Adams to stand up for his beliefs and morals. She states that "War, tyranny, and desolation are scourges...and ought to be deprecated" suggesting that he should be a leader and tackle these immoral issues. As the letter develops, Abigail Adams becomes more intense, her tone shifts from a worried, protective tone to a heartening, courageous patriotic tone. The pathos becomes more visible as the letter progresses creating a spark inside the reader, Quincy Adams, to enforce his mother's morals and make them his own

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