On The Equality Of The Sexes Rhetorical Analysis

1. Emerson did consider himself to be a poet, although his writings were not limited to poetry. His authority comes partly from the fact the Emerson was acknowledge during his own time. He was considered to be a major thinker, author and philosopher. His works encompassed several disciplines, among them literatures, philosophy, theology, psychology, education and social commentary (Wilson). Additionally, Emerson’s writings were given serious attention in England. Initially, British commentators reviewed his work positively therefore his work was read eagerly in Britain bring him credibility (Wilson). In New England, Emerson was also highly regarded inspiriting respect and a belief in America.
2. It was Emerson’s belief that there was a need …show more content…
In the essay, her tone varies from provocative and sermonizing to humorous evidenced by her comparisons of the loquacious old woman and the communicative old man (Murray A: 741). Another example of her comparison was “there are many robust masculine ladies and effeminate gentleman” (Murray A: 743). Murray also deploys irony within her argument specifically regarding Adam and Eve. Her interpretation of the story of Adam and Eve is interesting as Murray claimed that Eve was in search of knowledge, rather than a form of sexual desire (Vindications in America). The tree of knowledge bore the fruit consequently, Eve ate the fruit in search of knowledge but Adam ate the fruit because of his attachment to Eve. Murray concludes that women have always had the desire for knowledge but it is access to that knowledge that is holding them back. Another type of rhetorical toll that Murray used was allusion. She referenced the Bible frequently throughout the essay. “Thus David was a man after God’s own heart”, and she mentioned Job’s cursing the day he was born (Murray A: 743). These allusions to the Bible are used to keep the audience in tune with her