David Foster Wallace’s Use of Rhetoric in This is Water

David Foster Wallace’s commencement address at Kenyon College, "This is Water," is a profound reflection on the nature of human existence, self-awareness, and the mundane aspects of everyday life. One of the key elements that make this speech so impactful is Wallace’s use of rhetoric to convey complex ideas in an accessible and relatable way. Through his use of ethos, pathos, and logos, Wallace creates a compelling argument about the importance of awareness and the dangers of living a life on autopilot. This essay will analyze Wallace's use of rhetorical strategies and how they contribute to the effectiveness of his message.

Ethos: Establishing Credibility

In his speech, Wallace uses ethos, or the appeal to credibility, to connect with his audience. As a speaker, Wallace establishes himself as someone who has gone through the same struggles and challenges that the students about to graduate have faced. He openly admits that he doesn’t have all the answers, but his personal experience and reflections offer the audience a sense of trust and relatability. He begins his speech by acknowledging that life can sometimes feel pointless, saying:

• “The really important kind of freedom involves attention, and awareness, and discipline, and being able to truly care about other people and to sacrifice for them, over and over, in myriad petty little unsexy ways, every day.”

By acknowledging the ordinary struggles of adulthood, Wallace positions himself as someone who understands the difficulties of navigating a complex world. This helps him build credibility, as he is not trying to present himself as an authority on life, but as someone who is in the same boat as everyone else.

Pathos: Connecting with Emotions

Another rhetorical device Wallace uses to great effect is pathos, or the appeal to emotion. Throughout the speech, Wallace taps into the emotions of the audience by discussing the real, everyday struggles they face. One powerful moment of pathos comes when he describes the monotony of adult life and the invisible forces that shape our thoughts and actions:

• “You get to think about how you think. You get to decide what you think about.”

This appeal to emotion helps Wallace create an emotional connection with the audience, making them feel understood and less alone in their experiences. He addresses the feelings of disillusionment and frustration that come with adulthood, offering a sense of empathy that resonates with the audience.

Logos: Using Logical Arguments

Wallace also makes effective use of logos, or the appeal to logic and reason. His argument is built on the idea that we, as humans, are not always aware of how our thoughts and perspectives shape our reality. He uses logical reasoning to explain how people often go through life on autopilot, influenced by their surroundings and routines:

• “The constant gnawing sense of having had a good lunch that you’ve been told you’re having all your life...is a huge problem.”

By using this logical reasoning, Wallace shows that people often fall into patterns of thought without recognizing the implications of those patterns on their daily lives. He argues that true freedom comes from breaking free of these autopilot thoughts and consciously choosing how we engage with the world around us. This appeal to logos encourages the audience to critically examine their own lives and behaviors, offering a way out of the cyclical and unconscious patterns that shape so much of human existence.

The Power of Wallace’s Rhetorical Choices

David Foster Wallace’s rhetorical strategies in "This is Water" work together to create a powerful and thought-provoking message. Through his use of ethos, pathos, and logos, he is able to connect with his audience on multiple levels. He establishes credibility by sharing his own struggles, uses emotion to connect with the audience’s experiences, and applies logical reasoning to encourage deeper self-awareness. Wallace’s speech is a reminder that, in the rush of daily life, we must pause and reflect on the choices we make, the thoughts we think, and the world we engage with.

Conclusion

In conclusion, David Foster Wallace’s "This is Water" is a masterful example of the use of rhetoric to convey a deep, meaningful message. Through his strategic use of ethos, pathos, and logos, Wallace is able to make a compelling argument about the importance of self-awareness and the need to break free from the unconscious patterns that govern our lives. His speech serves as a reminder that, despite the challenges of adulthood, we have the power to choose how we engage with the world and how we live our lives. By listening to his message, we can become more aware of the "water" around us and begin to live more consciously, thoughtfully, and meaningfully.