Rhetorical Devices In Journey's End
The above passage demonstrates not only Richard pointing to his deformities as an excuse to his wrongdoings, but it also highlights his habit of blaming and deferring to others for his malicious deeds. He enshrines himself in self-pity and blames those around him for his shortcomings. He blames the world for not accepting him and conforming to accept him. While it may be initially compelling to fall for Richard’s rhetoric, a simple parallel can show why this method of thinking is flawed. Let’s draw the parallel between Richard and a group that is referred to as “incels”. Incels are a group typically made up of men who blame and antagonize typically women, but also broader society for “oppressing” them because they are “undesirable”. They use this as a justification for violent actions against the groups they believe are “oppressing” or “harming” them. Just as the rhetoric of incels in no way justifies the hate they perpetuate onto society, Richard’s actions are not offset by his circumstances and deformities. It is also worth noting that at no point does a character
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However, this falls when it is realized that while Richard is honest with us, the audience, he is not honest with those around him or the victims of his crimes and manipulation. Additionally, his honesty with the audience typically comes from a place of gloating about his superior intelligence and evil plots. This means that his honesty neither creates any benefit in the world he lives or comes from a place of positive intention. In summation, Richard’s practical actions cause great harm unto others and bring very minimal benefits. The other excuses Richard attempts to pawn up in the play also fall very quickly under examination. The utilitarian framework decidedly dictates that Richard is a villain, and no amount of gloating or whining about his deformities can change
However, this falls when it is realized that while Richard is honest with us, the audience, he is not honest with those around him or the victims of his crimes and manipulation. Additionally, his honesty with the audience typically comes from a place of gloating about his superior intelligence and evil plots. This means that his honesty neither creates any benefit in the world he lives or comes from a place of positive intention. In summation, Richard’s practical actions cause great harm unto others and bring very minimal benefits. The other excuses Richard attempts to pawn up in the play also fall very quickly under examination. The utilitarian framework decidedly dictates that Richard is a villain, and no amount of gloating or whining about his deformities can change