Rhetorical Strategies In Scarlet Letter And Founding Brothers

Many authors use rhetorical strategies in their work to help give the reader a better understanding of the content. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis both have several similar examples of these rhetorical strategies. Although the two novels are completely different in genre, the techniques used by the two authors to write each, are similar. One example of these rhetorical strategies is a contrast device. More specifically, the contrast of two characters within each novel. In Founding Brothers, two characters that are different from each other are John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Although the two men were friends, differences in their political parties and beliefs led them to lose their friendship. …show more content…
Another example of contrast between two characters in Founding Brothers, is with Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. The two men had very different personalities and opinions. This led to a duel, where Alexander Hamilton died. (Ellis 20). Situations like these are also found in Hawthorne’s novel, The Scarlet Letter. The contrast used in this novel is also between two characters. The first example of this is between Hester and the other town’s women. Hester is a very attractive young lady and the other women of the town are on the heavier side and are more unattractive compared to Hester. For this, the women are jealous and believe Hester should have a harsh punishment for committing adultery. They also call her rude names and degrade her. (Hawthorne 11-12). Another example of contrast between two characters in The Scarlet Letter, is with Hester and Dr. Chillingworth. Dr. Chillingworth s very much in love with Hester but