Rhetorical Analysis On The Mappist

People are inevitably susceptible to emotional influence, and the passion of one person can inspire others. In The Mappist, Lopez narrates his curiosity for mapmaking, which prompts him to conduct independent literary research on the subject, and most notably, he expresses an admiration for Pena, a renowned mappist. Through his tone and syntax, Lopez conveys his passion for mapmaking and shares his enthusiasm for Pena to readers.

Throughout the piece, Lopez tone reflects a strong reverence for Pena, demonstrating his interest in the subject. For example, he describes how Pena’s work highlights the “soul of Bogota” and is a “hard, translucent jewel of integration” (Lopez). He emphasizes how he admires Pena’s ability to encapture the beauty

of Bogota beyond superficial aspects.
His use of metaphors and flowery adjectives convey his admiration for Pena’s work, as his exaggerated comparisons exalt and praise Pena’s accomplishments. In addition, his admiring tone is exclusive to when he speaks of Pena’s work, and he demonstrates a tone shift, when speaking about the works of other mappists. When he discusses the work of other inferior mappists, he adopts a critical and rude tone describing the works as “wretched” and “strange”. His critical tone contrasts his admiring tone towards Pena. The drastic tone shift from positive to negative emphasizes the superiority of Pena’s work, implying how his work is on entirely different level compared to other mappists.
Lopez’s syntax is also intentionally developed to further convey his admiration of Pena. When describing Pena’s work, he uses long, complex sentences; for instance, he states, “Pena, you had the feeling, could walk you through the warrens of Bagota without a map and put your hands directly on the vitality of any modern century, the baptismal registries, a cornerstone…” (Lopez). The excerpt emphasizes the appeal the Lopez sees in Pena’s work, since it induced descriptive images in Lopez. The excessive length of the sentences resembles an excited rambling, conveying his enthusiasm for Pena’s work. The length also overwhelms readers, inducing the same feeling of overwhelmingness Lopez likely experiences when reading Pena’s work, since he describes being overflowed with awe and reverence.
Lopez’s work provides insight into the minds of scientists, who are consumed by their curiosity and admiration for science. His drastic tone shift and syntax help express his admiration for Pena’s work and his enthusiasm for mapping. His passion and excitement is almost contagious, inspiring to share his admiration for the complex art of mapping. He spotlights a subject that brings him so much joy and appeals to the general public, effectively garnering their interest in the subject by conveying his own experience.

Journalists are crucial for a democratic society, and their fearless attitude to speak their minds provides valuable perspectives on institutional issues. In Due Process, Lewis Lapham discusses the recent election of Donald Trump, challenging the qualifications of the president and questioning the future of democracy in America. Lapham persuades readers of the Trump’s incompetence through the use of rhetorical strategies, evident in his tone, diction, and syntax.
Most notably, Lapham adopts a contemptuous tone when speaking on the subject of Trump. For instance, he mocks Trump when he states, “So sayeth President Donald J. Trump, eight or nine times a day to his 47 million followers on Twitter” (Lapham). His contemptuous tone is reinforced by his subtle sarcasm and mockery, and in this case, he challenges the fact that the Trump panders to the American public through social media, which is generally viewed as an unprofessional platform. He also states the Trump’s full name, as if he’s addressing someone of high authority, however his overall critical and insulting attitude implies how Lapham is actually mocking Trump, feigning respect by stating his full name. All in all, his harsh tone emphasizes his disdain for Trump and his authority, calling into question Trump’s qualifications as president.
Lapham reinforces his contemptuous tone through his biting diction. He is direct with criticism towards Trump, employing harsh and insultive words, such as calling him “loud and foul”. His unabashed commentary on Trump emphasizes his passionate hatred for Trump, conveying to readers how the subject matter is something he feels strongly about. This also reinforces Lapham’s credibility. Since the subject evokes strong emotions, evident in his diction, readers are aware that Lapham genuinely believes in what he says, therefore readers are less likely to question his convictions.
Lapham makes a short, straightforward statement and states sarcastically, “Democracy is for losers” (Lapham).

His disapproval and contempt towards the Trump administration is demonstrated through his sarcastic comment. It contrasts the lengthy, factual sentence preceding it, and as a result, its short length and straightforwardness gives the statement emphasis. The simplicity and absurdity of the statement was also likely intended to reference Trump’s line of logic. With the sarcasm obvious in his contemptuous tone, the statement references the agenda of the Trump administration and words it a simplistic way that mocks Trump’s logic to be immature and underdeveloped. Lapham also utilizes parallel structure when he describes Trump supporters, “...fellow citizens screamed, stamped, and voted in agreement”(Lapham). The parallel structure provides rhythm and allows the sentence to flow better, making the actions feel as if they are happening swiftly. This antagonizes Trump supporters by making the appear as if they are acting out impulsively without thinking and reveals how Lapham believes that they are acting blindly and methodically.

Through his tone, diction, and syntax, Lapham exemplifies a critical attitude towards the Trump administration. His brazen comments are evidence of America’s free society, in which despite holding a subversive viewpoint, Lapham cannot be silenced. His ability to actively express his views, regardless their alignment, emphasize how the freedom of the press is rightfully upheld. Ultimately, his fearlessness shown through his direct and critical writing inspires readers to challenge popular opinions and stay true to their

convictions.

Authors bring narratives to life by integrating their personality within it in order to relate to readers. The emotional responses that narratives can trigger connects the audience to the author and emphasizes the power of literature to unite people. In Mother of the Year, Paul Theroux describes the day he returned home to visit his father, who was on his deathbed, and reminisces about memories of his family. He utilizes rhetorical strategies, such as tone, diction, and syntax, to emotionally connect with the reader in his narration.
Paul Theroux assumes a nostalgic tone as he recounts his memories. For example, he states, “...we behaved toward one another too, childishly, with pettiness and envy” (Theroux). As he reflects on his previous behavior towards his siblings, he acknowledges his character flaws, implying how he has matured since then. His maturity suggests how a great deal of time has passed since then, and as he reminisces on his memories, he conveys a hint of bittersweetness over the degree at which times have changed. The longingness in his tone allow readers relate with Theroux, because every person has experienced change as a result of time. In other words, this humanizes him, since readers are easily able to relate to his nostalgia.