In his letter written to persuade his wife to look past the “inconveniences in crossing the Atlantic” and join him in America, John Downe employs the use of polysyndetic syntax, hyperbole, and loving and sincere language, the last of which works particularly well in creating an intensely personal tone.
Downe’s excitement and enthusiasm in regards to the benefits of America are acutely expressed in his use of polysyndeton while describing the countryside’s amenities. He writes that the people “do not think of locking their doors in the country, and you can gather peaches, apples, and all kinds of fruit by the side of the road. And I can have a barrel of cider holding 32 gallons for 4s., and they will lend me the barrel until I have emptied it. And I can had 100 lbs. of Beef for 10s.” The repetition of the conjunction “and” serves to communicate and emphasize the surplus of America to Downe’s wife and show Downe’s own optimism and excitement. While commonly used to slow pace of prose, in this instance, Downe uses polysyndeton to magnify the many benefits of American living. …show more content…
For example, he explains that many people have already made the trek to America safely “But there is plenty of room yet, and will for a thousand years to come.” The inclusion of this intense exaggeration paints a picture to Downe’s wife that America is a vast and plentiful world, just waiting to be explored by people just like his wife and children, thus, they should join
Downe’s excitement and enthusiasm in regards to the benefits of America are acutely expressed in his use of polysyndeton while describing the countryside’s amenities. He writes that the people “do not think of locking their doors in the country, and you can gather peaches, apples, and all kinds of fruit by the side of the road. And I can have a barrel of cider holding 32 gallons for 4s., and they will lend me the barrel until I have emptied it. And I can had 100 lbs. of Beef for 10s.” The repetition of the conjunction “and” serves to communicate and emphasize the surplus of America to Downe’s wife and show Downe’s own optimism and excitement. While commonly used to slow pace of prose, in this instance, Downe uses polysyndeton to magnify the many benefits of American living. …show more content…
For example, he explains that many people have already made the trek to America safely “But there is plenty of room yet, and will for a thousand years to come.” The inclusion of this intense exaggeration paints a picture to Downe’s wife that America is a vast and plentiful world, just waiting to be explored by people just like his wife and children, thus, they should join