Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Lord Chesterfield

Often time, parents want their children to succeed; however, they have differing reasons for why they want their children to succeed. In Chesterfield’s case, it is for the advancement of his family reputation. While Lord Chesterfield acts like he is only in favor of his son, it is quite evident that he wants to control his son’s life to uphold his family name. Throughout the letter, Chesterfield constantly brings up the responsibilities his son has towards society. With every reminder of the obligations his son has, Chesterfield reveals his own values.
Lord Chesterfield commences the letter doubtful whether sending this letter will be effectual as advice from parents “is ascribed to the moroseness, the imperiousness, or the garrulity of old age” (ln. 6-8). By giving examples of how advice is typically perceived from parents, Chesterfield prepares his son to take his advice very seriously. Chesterfield then goes on saying he “[advises] [his son] as a friend, an indulgent one too” (18-19). By speaking in terms of

a friend, Chesterfield is able to give his “advice” such that it does not sound as harsh. After buttering up his son, Lord Chesterfield suddenly changes his tone: “I do not therefore, so much as to hint you, how absolutely dependent you are upon me; that you neither have, nor can have shilling in the world from me” (25-28). In this passage, Chesterfield essentially transitions from an “indulgent friend” to an overpowering father. Chesterfield implies that if his son does not act in his father’s interests, Chesterfield can stop giving his son money. Chesterfield suggests this by indicating his son’s dependency upon him, which shows Chesterfield is manipulative and can do whatever it takes to get the results he wants from people.
Chesterfield then starts to give his advice. He tells his son to study something that he will have a passion for. Chesterfield goes on to say that focus and application in education are not just “duties”, but necessary for success. Chesterfield proves his point by saying “for can there be a greater pleasure than to be universally allowed to excel those of one’s own age and own manner of life? And, consequently, can there be anything more mortifying than to be excelled by them?” (39-43). Chesterfield uses rhetorical questions to communicate to his son not to engage in a field of study without passion. This rhetoric not only implies Chesterfield’s value for passion (in a field of study), but also his value for education. He emulates this point in his concluding sentence: “To know a little of anything, gives neither satisfaction nor credit, but often brings disgrace or ridicule.” (53-55). In this sentence, Chesterfield attempts to instill the fear in his son that if he does not study hard enough, he will bring his down his name in society, which in turn, will bring his family lead to the devaluation of the family name. This attempt to instill fear shows Chesterfield’s value for family honor.
Throughout the letter, Chesterfield utilizes rhetorical strategies that reveal his own values.

Chesterfield shows this by starting off the letter as a friend in order to convince his son he acts in his favor and talks about the “moroseness” advice from a parent is met with from a child. Chesterfield then makes a sharp transition from being a friend to being a father by pointing out that as his benefactor, Chesterfield can stop giving his son money if he chooses not to heed his advice. Through this manipulation, Chesterfield is able to get under his skin before threatening his son. After attempting to manipulate his son, Chesterfield goes on to give his advice. Using rhetorical questions, Chesterfield tells his son to study with passion and warns his son if he fails to study a subject with his whole heart, he will be ridiculed by society. Through all of his rhetorical strategies, Chesterfield reveals his value of education, family honor, and

passion.