Rhetorical Analysis Of Emerson Education

Emerson Education: Rhetorical Analysis The flaws in the education system have been prominent and evident for some time now, but it’s not often that many attempt to find solutions for these problems. Ralph Waldo Emerson argues that the best way to learn is through the natural method. He believes that drilling the brain with facts has proven to be ineffective, and that teaching methods such as trial and error would be more efficient and effective. Emerson encourages educators to teach by the natural method technique by using complex syntax, devices, and shift in tone. Emerson wastes no time and instantly asserts his points of view in the first paragraph, “I believe that...respecting the pupil” (pg 189). By doing so he makes his argument …show more content…
Emerson criticizes the educators and makes them doubt their original teaching methods in order to acquire appeal for his. He asks educators, “But what doth such a school to form a great and heroic character?” (pg 192) more than merely expressing his opinion on the current education system, forcing educators to really think about the benefits, if any, that come out of it. By asking questions rather than just making statements he encourages the reader to think for themselves, while implying the right answer. He also gives the reader credit for their intelligence by suggesting that they will be able to come to the correct conclusion. Moreover, his anecdote in the fifth paragraph helps build ethos and delivers background knowledge on the author. He illustrates how is theory is more effective by mentioning his friend Charles Fellowes, “always genius seeks genius..to perfect itself” (page 190) which demonstrates that it’s possible to complete your goals without the current lackluster education system. In other words, this real life example helps build ethos for Emerson’s argument as it shows this method was successfully implemented in a real life scenario and is more efficient compared to its counterpart. Emerson also uses analogies throughout the piece, “knows as much vice as the judge of a police court,” (page 193) which serves as memorable and impactful because the comparison between a place to learn (school) and a place where punishments are given (court) implies that these two places should not resemble each other in the slightest. Consequently, Emerson’s elaborate use of devices builds enough credibility for his argument while also appealing to the