John Ruskin's Argument Analysis
John Ruskin, an English critic of art and society, wrote a passage arguing that we should be giving precedence to the soldier rather than to the merchant or manufacturer. In today’s world many people debate about who deserves to be emphasized in society. Ruskin’s argument is invalid because of his use of generalization, false dilemma, pathos and charged language. He uses a black and white statement to show the difference between soldier and manufacturer and generalization to make it seem as though all soldiers participate for the same reason. The use of pathos and charged language really plays with the reader’s emotions. In Ruskin’s passage he argues that the soldier should be more respected and considered more important than a merchant or
…show more content…
John Ruskin makes a black and white statement by saying soldiers are different from merchants and manufactures because “men associated for purposes of violence and for purposes of manufacture; in that the former appear capable of self sacrifice.” John Ruskin says that the general public should perceive that merchants/manufacturers are nothing if they don’t have the willingness to sacrifice themselves as soldiers do. The readers don’t realize that the soldiers would be nothing without the merchants and manufacturers. The soldiers are provided in war, weapons, materials and food…but by whom? The manufacturers sacrificed time, materials, and food to support the soldiers. Ruskin is very heavy in using pathos, and once again tries play with the reader’s emotions. Using very well wording to emphasize emotions and change our view and perspectives, Ruskin draws out pathos. In the first sentence Ruskin says “that the former appear capable of self sacrifice.” The word “capable” portrays as a very strong and demeaning word. It makes readers see the merchants and manufacturers as weak, pathetic and selfish to not have the courage to die for ones country. Ruskin uses pathos, making the readers feel not only guilty and sympathetic, but also proud that they have men willing to fight for their
John Ruskin makes a black and white statement by saying soldiers are different from merchants and manufactures because “men associated for purposes of violence and for purposes of manufacture; in that the former appear capable of self sacrifice.” John Ruskin says that the general public should perceive that merchants/manufacturers are nothing if they don’t have the willingness to sacrifice themselves as soldiers do. The readers don’t realize that the soldiers would be nothing without the merchants and manufacturers. The soldiers are provided in war, weapons, materials and food…but by whom? The manufacturers sacrificed time, materials, and food to support the soldiers. Ruskin is very heavy in using pathos, and once again tries play with the reader’s emotions. Using very well wording to emphasize emotions and change our view and perspectives, Ruskin draws out pathos. In the first sentence Ruskin says “that the former appear capable of self sacrifice.” The word “capable” portrays as a very strong and demeaning word. It makes readers see the merchants and manufacturers as weak, pathetic and selfish to not have the courage to die for ones country. Ruskin uses pathos, making the readers feel not only guilty and sympathetic, but also proud that they have men willing to fight for their