The Almost Perfect State Essay
Addison Mossett
Mr. Holz
AP Language
12 February 2015
The Almost Perfect State First Part : analysis
Part one of Don Marquis’s column, The Almost Perfect State, discusses the stereotypical routine lifestyle that “we” as humans have fallen under. Specifically, it targets those that take life for granted and let it drain them before their final years on earth. Marquis addresses the audience through the uses of strategic discussion tactics such as a mode of appeal, Logos, the usage of forced teaming, and by holding the reader’s attention through the use of light-hearted humor. By establishing a connection with the reader through the article’s entertainment value, Marquis made it more appealing to the average New York citizen. The combination of smiles and deep thinking mold together a column that challenges the readers to question their very definitions of living.
Marquis makes logical statements throughout the column in order to engage the readers on his beliefs by using logos. Attempting to convince the readers to work hard earlier in life so that they can enjoy their last few years is represented using pure logical explanations for the situations portrayed. “The best good that you can possibly achieve is not good enough if you have to strain yourself all the time to reach it. A thing is only worth doing, and doing again and again, if you can do it rather easily, and get some joy out of it”. Using the examples of unnecessary strain and doing things easily out of habit are a few of the ways that Marquis causes the readers to think beyond what they read by engaging in thought processes. He tells the reader that by enjoying the things you take part in, and by doing your best, you can create your own joy in a world that may seem less extravagant. “BUT . . . overstrain yourself now and then. [...] when you overstrain yourself you are assisting in the creation of a new self--if you get what we mean.” Though it may slightly contradict his last statement, this section of
Mr. Holz
AP Language
12 February 2015
The Almost Perfect State First Part : analysis
Part one of Don Marquis’s column, The Almost Perfect State, discusses the stereotypical routine lifestyle that “we” as humans have fallen under. Specifically, it targets those that take life for granted and let it drain them before their final years on earth. Marquis addresses the audience through the uses of strategic discussion tactics such as a mode of appeal, Logos, the usage of forced teaming, and by holding the reader’s attention through the use of light-hearted humor. By establishing a connection with the reader through the article’s entertainment value, Marquis made it more appealing to the average New York citizen. The combination of smiles and deep thinking mold together a column that challenges the readers to question their very definitions of living.
Marquis makes logical statements throughout the column in order to engage the readers on his beliefs by using logos. Attempting to convince the readers to work hard earlier in life so that they can enjoy their last few years is represented using pure logical explanations for the situations portrayed. “The best good that you can possibly achieve is not good enough if you have to strain yourself all the time to reach it. A thing is only worth doing, and doing again and again, if you can do it rather easily, and get some joy out of it”. Using the examples of unnecessary strain and doing things easily out of habit are a few of the ways that Marquis causes the readers to think beyond what they read by engaging in thought processes. He tells the reader that by enjoying the things you take part in, and by doing your best, you can create your own joy in a world that may seem less extravagant. “BUT . . . overstrain yourself now and then. [...] when you overstrain yourself you are assisting in the creation of a new self--if you get what we mean.” Though it may slightly contradict his last statement, this section of