William Morris, an English textile designer, artist, and writer delivered this speech to the audience members of the Trades’ Guild of Learning in 1877. The speech was given at the end of the Industrial Revolution, which means that scientific and technological progress dominated public interest. Considering the economic boost that science brought about, it was practically over-romanticized by members of society and it appeared to be the answer to every problem. However, the purpose of Morris’ speech is to challenge this idea that science is the key to human advancement. Through the use of a sarcastic tone, positive dictation, and a comparison Morris reminds audience members of the value of art over science and of the negative impacts science
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The effect of the positive diction is especially emphasized considering all of the pejorative statements that preceded these remarks. When describing art and its benefits he makes statements such as “making life cheerful and honorable” (line 10), “the gain of good life” (lines 10 and 11), and “priceless” (line 13). In these examples, Morris is reminding the audience of all of the joy that ensues from art. He claims that although the celebration of art will not necessarily reap the same economic benefits as science, it is priceless and cannot be replaced by anything. The positive diction impacts the manner in which the audience receives this information about art. Since Morris employs such positive diction when describing art, the audience automatically views it in a positive light. The fact that Morris’ language is very concise makes him appear more confident and therefore more reputable which allows the audience to trust him and his opinion. Furthermore, Morris is reminding viewers of the positive benefits art and the celebration of it can
The effect of the positive diction is especially emphasized considering all of the pejorative statements that preceded these remarks. When describing art and its benefits he makes statements such as “making life cheerful and honorable” (line 10), “the gain of good life” (lines 10 and 11), and “priceless” (line 13). In these examples, Morris is reminding the audience of all of the joy that ensues from art. He claims that although the celebration of art will not necessarily reap the same economic benefits as science, it is priceless and cannot be replaced by anything. The positive diction impacts the manner in which the audience receives this information about art. Since Morris employs such positive diction when describing art, the audience automatically views it in a positive light. The fact that Morris’ language is very concise makes him appear more confident and therefore more reputable which allows the audience to trust him and his opinion. Furthermore, Morris is reminding viewers of the positive benefits art and the celebration of it can