Lord Chesterfield Letter To His Son Analysis

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On October of 1746, Lord Chesterfield wrote a sour letter to his son. This letter was meant as a warning to his son to do right by him or else there will be consequences. He was also demanded to take advantage of his privileged life and do something that others his age cannot. He also advises his son subliminally, to not tarnish his or his father's reputation by doing unprofessional or silly things. In Chesterfield's letter, he uses irony, tone, and pathos to explain to his son his expectations. In the letter, Chesterfield says that he is on his son's side; however, he stated that he “neither have, nor can have a shilling in the world but from me...”. This is a threat to his son that Chesterfield makes saying if his son does not do right in regards of his merit, he will not get a shilling; however, if he does right in regards to his merit, he will be generous towards his son. Chesterfield also says that he is not talking to him as …show more content…

Chesterfield writes to his son as if he were supporting him and didn't have anything against him. When talking about wanting him to go his own path, Chesterfield says “I only desire to be the guide, not the censor”. He's manipulating his son by trying to make it seem like he's not being harsh or against him, but trying to guide him to do the right thing and make the right decisions. Later, he talks about how he will no longer support him financially if he makes the wrong decisions and take the paths undesired by him. Chesterfield continues with his aggressive tone by talking about how he is taking his education for granted. He also says that his so should be ashamed of himself for this fact by saying, “your shame and regret must be greater than anybody's because everyone knows the uncommon care which has been taken of your education.” By saying this Chesterfield, again is trying to manipulate his son to feel guilty about having all this work done for his education to just throw it

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