A Rhetorical Analysis Of Samuel Johnson's Letter

Johnson is using a very logical and rational approach towards the woman's request throughout the entire letter. He warns the woman that hope immoderately enjoyed will be expiated by pain. Johnson is being somewhat critical of the woman's request by grounding her in reality. He is explaining that her hope and request is not a valid reason for admitting her son. His tone is used with a direct and objective reasoning to the negative consequences of excessive hope and expectation which she indulges in.
Samuel Johnson begins to be more critical of the woman's request as the letter goes on. He begins to pick apart her appeal and begins to give explanations of why there is no logical reason to grant her request. Johnson's attitude and

language begin to be more intense and detailed.
Johnson does a very good job of setting up his argument and conclusion. He started the letter by giving light explanations of hope and improper expectation. He uses the light tone and softness of the begging of the letter like a snake uses his timid and quiet composure to attack his prey. Johnson's logical explanation almost makes the woman look dumb. He most likely was trying to do this on purpose. He could have given a simple no but he decides to give details and an explanation. He says in the latter end of the letter that there is no reason that this should be done by me. He doesn’t give her any glimpse of hope whatsoever. I feel that Johnson is being extra critical on purpose.
I think this specific approach towards this woman acted as an example towards everyone else. He probably was extra critical because he didn’t want anyone else to ask for patronage because he wanted his reputation not to be a man of hope, but rather ration and logic.