Pretentious Politics

     The use of pretentious diction serves to inform and persuade. Philosopher Henry David Thoreau writes to criticize the government from a republican point of view. Traditional anti- federalist beliefs include the policy of laissez- faire; a "hands off" government approach. Thoreau supports the strength of the people over the power of the government, which rules without morality. As a resolution the author proposes we rebel, resist, and revolutionize the "bad government" we fought to gain our independence from; the American people have the right to do so as it states in our constitution. Henry David Thoreau supports his claims with his vast knowledge of american patriotism.
    The over- all tone of his essay is broken up by patriotic hymns. "I am too high- born to be propertied, // To be secondary to control,..." (King John 5.1.79-82.-- Eds.). Thoreau uses these lines to support his statement-- men must resist their tyrannical government. He later states, "All men recognize the right to revolution; that is, the right to refuse allegiance to and to resist, the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable" (paragraph 8). By moving back and forth between citing separate sources and using his own knowledge and opinions, the author writes to establish himself as a reliable source.
     The author also tries to establish a sense of trust and credibility by citing a more abstract source-- morality. Thoreau says, "...most legislators, politicians, lawyers, [and] ministers serve the state chiefly with their heads; and, as they rarely make any moral distinctions" (paragraph 5). He implores readers to demand respect from their government. The reader is made to feel tricked, or, taken advantage of by those who hold power. The topic of slavery serves as a concrete example. It is the duty of our federal government to protect our God given, inalienable rights. Slavery however contradicts the principles within our constitution, framed by former president and republican, Thomas Jefferson. Clearly, all men are not created equal if men are still being bought and sold as property. There is little distinction between black and white within the political parties because the men of power think with a similar mind, and rule with the same desires.
     John Adams once said, "Whenever Vanity, and Gaiety, a love of Pomp and Dress, Furniture... and elegant Entertainments get the best of the Principles and Judgments of Men and Women there is no knowing where they will stop, nor into what Evils, natural, moral, or political, they will lead us". This statement backs Thoreau's ideal that "government is best which governs not at all" (paragraph 1). By using his prior knowledge and his own justified arguments, Henry David Thoreau uses prevention to persuade his audience to resist the federal government and create a lasting sense of moral patriotism upon a foundation of freedom and consciousness.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton: The OG Feminist

     Before the United States were officially united, men of courage decided to dissolve political ties with Great Britain. Thomas Jefferson, founding father and framer of the U.S. Constitution, outlines the colonies' grievances by utilizing syllogism. He begins by defining inalienable rights that belong to all human- beings. These rights include life, liberty, and happiness. Jefferson also declares the peoples' right to overthrow the government if these principles are not properly protected. Next, the wrongdoings of King George lll are outlined. Lastly, a resolution is proposed. Our Declaration of Independence was thus constructed in this manner. Although we gained political independence, equality and justice was still unestablished.
     Elizabeth Cady Stanton presented "The Declaration of Sentiments" at the Seneca Falls Convention  in 1848. The purpose of this declaration is to declare rights for women. She conveys this statement by  mimicking our patriarchs in the most elegant way possible. Stanton begins in a similar way. Her beliefs are stated: men and women are created equal with inalienable rights and it is the power of the government to protect these rights. If the government does not do so, the governed who suffer may insist upon a new government. Next, a list a wrongdoings is presented. Men are made to be the equivalent of King George lll, and women are The People. Ironically, women were being deprived of all rights as citizens of the United States under the "new and improved" government.
     To conclude, Elizabeth Cady Stanton declares that women are thus allowed to overthrow the government. The author says, "...because women do feel themselves aggravated, oppressed, and fraudulently deprived of their most sacred rights" (paragraph 20). The female populations' rights are not efficiently protected by the government that was designed under parallel circumstances. As a slap in the face to the patriarchal society, Stanton courageously mocks the principles of our constitution by using structure.

The Stylistic Choices of John Adams

    Language is infinitely complex, altering throughout time. More antiquated writings are not as easily comprehended, thus requiring more focus. However, one should not allow the diction and syntax to become so consuming that they take away from the actual content of the message itself. What makes the material so intricate is its peculiarity. An unruly display of capitalization, and structure creates special emphasis. John Adam's letter to his wife Abigail during the Revolutionary war is no exception.
    While fighting for liberty in the midst of war, founding father John Adams receives a series of concerns from his wife Abigail. She pleads for John to remember of the ladies, and warns him that "all Men would become tyrants if they could" (paragraph 9). With unlimited power possessed by the husbands, Abigail states that the women have no problem starting a revolution of their own in response to mistreatment and inequality. John replies, "Whenever Vanity, and Gaiety, a Love of Pomp and Dress, Furniture, Equipage, Buildings, great Company, expensive Diversions, and elegant Entertainments get the best of the Principles and Judgments of Men or Women there is no knowing where they will stop, nor into what Evils, natural, moral, or political, they will lead us" (paragraph 15). John Adams deconstructs the evils of power, and the effect it has on morality. He states that a "Love of Pomp" and "expensive Diversions" will take control of anyone's better judgment-- both men  and women.
     Within this run- on sentence, there is an emphasis. A long list of lavash items are recited vigorously, ensuring a sense of conviction. Words with connotation such as "Vanity", "Dress", and "Furniture" stand out in reader's mind, bringing thought focused upon riches, power, and glory. Random punctuation is seldom seen today in the English language. Mr. Adams manipulates these factors to show fervor towards the matter of discussion.
    I admire how John Adams writes in a fashion that embodies character. The stylistic choices are not intended to be poetic, however passion shines through beneath his diction and syntax. Although seemingly peculiar, the most messages can be discovered not within the actual text, but rather between the lines.