Analysis Of Days Of Obligation By Richard Rodriguez

In the passage from Days of Obligation by Richard Rodriguez, Rodriguez showcases his conflicting opinions about both California and Mexico, as he looks back on his life in reverse. Through the dialog and details, Rodriguez gives off an indecisive, yet passionate tone, which allows the reader to question the two conflicting opinions.
The first section, containing the first and second paragraph, introduces the idea of the conflicting opinions. Rodriguez juxtaposes the words comedy and tragedy, while also opening up the discussion of contrasting Mexico and California. The use of rhetorical question allows the reader to think about the question and sets up an area for Rodriguez’s response below.
The third paragraph opens with an opinion from another writer, which ties in and explains his take on California. This information allows Rodriguez to later refute what was said …show more content…
Rodriguez explains why California serves as a comedy by using historical references, such as the Capulets and McCoys. Again, when the history is referenced, it allows the reader to have a different perspective of Rodriguez’s opinion. Rodriguez pulls on logos when he mentions the disapproving grandmothers because the reader can easily relate or think about a situation where that is prevalent. Paragraphs six and seven not only gives the reader a small personal background of Rodriguez, it also acts where Rodriguez gives an insight on why Mexico and California are the way they are today. The quote “that death finally is the vantage point from which life must be seen,” pulls on pathos as the reader thinks about his or her own life. The use of an anaphora allows the reader to think about the what “tragic cultures” have to offer. The word choice of tragic cultures seems to be negative, but Rodriguez negates that and turns it around, allowing the reader to think in a different