Analysis Of Christopher Morley's Essay 'On Laziness'

Like an experienced politician, Christopher Morley composes his essay and weaves his words in such a way that causes his readers to believe and support his claim that laziness is not the weakness that we currently recognize it to be, but rather it is an important asset to have. In “On Laziness”, Morley utilizes a casual tone, combines complex diction with simple syntax, and uses examples that allow for a sense of logic, leaving the reader no choice but to consider his claims, and maybe even believe them.

In his essay, Morley utilizes a casual tone in order to make his essay seem a little more relatable. Morley begins his essay by saying “Today we rather intended to write an essay on Laziness, but were too indolent to do so.” (1) His first

sentence carries a casual, almost humorous tone, which allows for the reader to feel comfortable from the beginning. Morley also uses “we”, which includes the reader, in a likely attempt to have the reader relate themselves more with the text. Morley utilizes an interesting choice of language, when he says “The lazy man doesn’t (in the vulgar phrase) pass the buck. He lets the buck pass him.” (13) His use of the rather informal phrase, “pass the buck” makes the essay a little more casual and less serious, as well as more relatable to the reader.
Morley constructs his essay using complex diction, but he uses simple syntax to balance it as to not alienate his readers.

In his essay he states “The truly meek man is the lazy man. He is too modest to believe that any fervent and hubbub of his can ameliorate the earth or aussage the perplexities of humanity.” (5) Within that short passage, Morley utilized a variety of sophisticated words, most likely a deliberate choice to establish a bit more ethos within his essay. But in an effort to not separate himself too much from his audience, he combines eloquent diction and elementary syntax to still allow for relatively easy comprehension. Morley makes his claims appear more credible through his choice of diction, which works to make him and the essay appear more brilliant as

well.
In his essay, Morley also employs examples and references in his work that create a sense of logic within the mind of the reader.

He makes claims that are rather hard to dispute. Morley uses real life examples like when he says “Thus we see that it was sheer laziness that led to the greatest triumph of Doctor Johnson’s life, the noble and memorable letter to Chesterfield in 1775.” (11) In this quote, he refers to a time where a great philosopher had one of his largest successes in life, all because he was lazy. It makes it hard for someone to dispute a real life example. Morley also provides many convincing claims that appear to be irrefutable and even enticing, such as when he states “If you once get a reputation for complete, immovable and reckless indolence the world will leave you to your own thoughts, which are generally rather interesting.” (9) In this excerpt, Morley endorses laziness and shows an example as to how being lazy can benefit the reader’s life. He also states “It is the bustling man who always gets put on committees, who is asked to solve the problems of other people and to neglect his own.” (3) In this example, Morley makes a valid point. Those who take initiative and work hardest are usually given the most responsibility, and for those who don’t want to be preoccupied with the responsibilities of others, the idea of laziness is quite

appealing.
By using rhetoric that rivals that of a polished politician, author Christopher Morley persuades his readers to adopt laziness and to view it as an enlightened trait rather than a negative one. Through the structure of his paper and consideration of his audience, Morley takes on and accomplishes the difficult task of convincing his readers to look at laziness as a good virtue, instead of a destructive vice.