http://www.milestonedocuments.com/docum ... dams-1774/
The essay's pretty long, so I wouldn't really recommend reading this for the faint of heart
I'd appreciate any constructive comments or suggestions on how I could improve it. Thank you!
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The author’s husband, John Adams, has served in the First Continental Congress, and will eventually serve in the second, thereby cementing his pivotal role in the cause for independence from Britain. Adams, however, puts himself in a precarious position, as the Crown will now identify him as a treasonous rebel. She uses pathos, logos, and ethos in her letter to convince Adams of her support for his cause, as well as her belief that the fight for independence is ultimately just and honorable.
Abigail Adams opens her letter with an urgent tone, employing pathos. She mentions how she misses him dearly (him having been gone for a month now), and how she fears for their well-being, as well as that of America in general. This “anxiety” assures John that Abigail is genuinely concerned about her husband and his cause. She has not developed her definite stance on the issue yet, but the matter is obviously of great importance to her. Pathos is further developed through imagery of “rocks and quicksand” on every side, emphasizing the turbulence of current events that threaten the safety of all. Abigail admits the uncertainty of their present situation, and how her mind is in “great scope”- she is not rest over this, and constantly worries about what could go wrong. This emotional, anxious passage reveals Abigail’s bona fide trepidation for the rebels. It may not divulge her opinion of whether the cause is right or wrong, but at least establishes a concrete solicitude for it. Adams can confidently read on, knowing that his wife cares for him and pays close attention to his political activities.
Abigail alludes to history in the next passage, employing logos. If Adams carries any personal doubts or regret about his cause, Abigail quashes them here. Although bloodshed may occur in the Revolution, she argues that without bloodshed, no “kingdom or state [ever regained] its liberty”. People cannot be free without risking their lives for it. Peace, according to Abigail, is a double-edged sword. If attained through justice and honor, which the Revolutionaries are no doubt currently trying to do, peace is “desirable and advantageous.” Peace, in this case, is the sense of freedom and liberation achieved after having fought for an honorable cause, and actually triumphing. If one merely seeks peace to maintain the status quo, as the Spartans did, and pays even the “price of liberty” to do so, it is no longer freedom. It simply becomes another form of bondage, “shameful” and “pernicious”. Abigail uses history to prove her main point: no pain, no gain. Adams, consequently, will be freed of a guilty conscience that might arise when the rebels must eventually resort to violence. He is free to support any course of action deemed necessary; no squeamish consciences will hinder the cause of liberty!
Abigail acknowledges that her husband’s cause will most likely involve violence. However, in the light of history, violence is justifiable if used in a righteous manner, intending to “regain liberty”. Implicitly she reveals her belief that his cause is indeed a just cause, following the many precedents of the past. The comparisons could not suggest otherwise. Abigail continues to encourage her husband by providing testimony from a friend, who gives her “best wishes”, and “hopes [Adams] will have no uncommon difficulties to surmount”. Although a lack of adversity will be highly unlikely, the encouraging tone is not lost from her words. It their warmness, rather than their likelihood, that comfort Adams. Abigail builds her belief in the uprightness of her husband’s cause, mentioning how the revolutionaries chose well in nominating George Washington. They will be free from the judgment of future generations, who might otherwise condemn them for choosing a power-hungry leader who would corrupt their cause and build his own empire- they make right decisions! Logos convinces Adams that he is on the right side.
The final section establishes Abigail’s ethos. Although she is plagued by a sense of worry, Abigail asserts that she is still going strong, and is not faint of heart- she has even started reading a book, in which she finds “great pleasure and entertainment”. Her husband, therefore, does not have to worry about her personal well-being, and can focus his energies on the revolution. She actually encourages him to take the “stage of action”. Abigail knows that impending events will be of grave consequences, comparing them to Caesars’ Ides of March. She cannot afford to complain and possibly divert her husband’s attention. Playing the role of the proper eighteenth-century wife, Abigail assures her husband that all is well with her and the home. Could she be lying? Possibly, but she knows that any sign of distress would worry Adams and distract him. Whether her claims are true or not, Adams at least finds no apparent reason to fret over conditions at home. In the concluding sentence, Abigail Adams wishes “blessing” and “wisdom” to John, knowing he will dearly need it. She is still his loyal, “affectionate” wife who unswervingly supports him.
Overall, Abigail’s letter is structured in the form of a passionate exhortation. Acknowledging the peril of the times with pathos, Abigail nevertheless encourages her husband to fight on, citing history (logos) to explain why he should do so. Abigail assures her husband that she is doing fine and that she hopes for nothing but the very best for his cause, establishing ethos. Abigail wholly supports Adams, as well as people everywhere who fight for independence and liberty.
