close
test_template

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

About this sample

About this sample

close

Words: 415 |

Page: 1|

3 min read

Published: Sep 1, 2020

Words: 415|Page: 1|3 min read

Published: Sep 1, 2020

In the text “This is Water” by David Foster Wallace although many people may seem to the center of the universe, Wallace guides them to be aware of the world around them. Wallace uses emotional and logical appeals in his main argument that people can choose to look at anything in life differently than their default setting. People should view the world in the shoes of others and their own.

'Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned'?

The primary rhetorical device that Wallace relies upon is emotional words. The persuasive effect of emotional words is felt during Wallace’s walk through on a grocery trip in which he talks negatively to be in comparison to people’s default setting. As it states in paragraph 9, “Now it turns out there aren’t enough checkout lanes open even though it’s the end-of-the-day-rush, so the checkout line is incredibly long, which is stupid and infuriating”. In this instance, Wallace intends to illustrate how quick a person’s day can turn left when they are mentally unconscious. He also does this when he states, “And look at how repulsive most of them are and how stupid and cow-like and dead-eyed and nonhuman they seem here in the checkout line”. This detail shows how deep and selfish a person thoughts can be as to why many people keep that part to themselves.

Throughout the text, Wallace continues to demonstrate the fact that humans are never always right so there is always going to be individuals with different perspectives. With the use of logical reason, Wallace was able to show how humans can change their point of view. As it states in the text, “Look, if I chose to think this way, fine, lots of us do – except that picking this way tend to be so easy and automatic it doesn’t have to be a choice.” This detail shows how Wallace wants people to be reasonable with others instead of being one minded. Another thing that Wallace states is, “you get to consciously decide what has meaning and what doesn’t. You get to decide what to worship…”. Furthermore stated, Wallace wants people to know they have a choice and whatever you do with they would leave them down one of the two pathways.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

All in all, David Foster Wallace’s strength as a persuasive writer comes from his ability to use ethos and pathos to impact people’s better judgement. He challenges people to critically think by opening up their mind to that second choice that brings out the positive in every negative situation.

Works Cited:

  1. Alsbury, T. (2016). 10 Things About Being a Superhero That No One Talks About. Relevant Magazine.
  2. Batman Begins. (2005). [Film]. Warner Bros.
  3. Coates, T. (2018). Martin Luther King Jr. Was More Radical Than We Remember. The Atlantic.
  4. Harrison, C. (2019). 30 Everyday Heroes Who Changed Someone's Life Forever. Reader's Digest. https://www.rd.com/list/everyday-heroes-changed-someones-life-forever/
  5. Jenkins, P. (2006). Superman Returns. [Film]. Warner Bros.
  6. Krueger, P. (2014). Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. DC Comics.
  7. LeFevre, C. (2019). 9 Ways to Be a Hero for Someone Else Today. Success Magazine. https://www.success.com/9-ways-to-be-a-hero-for-someone-else-today/
  8. Martin, S. (2018). Motherhood is Heroic: Celebrating the Ordinary Superheroes Among Us. Today's Parent. https://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/motherhood-is-heroic-celebrating-the-ordinary-superheroes-among-us/
  9. Pallotta, F. (2018). 11 Real-Life Heroes Who Have Changed the World. Global Citizen.
  10. Spider-Man. (2002). [Film]. Columbia Pictures.
Image of Dr. Charlotte Jacobson
This essay was reviewed by
Dr. Charlotte Jacobson

Cite this Essay

David Foster Wallace’s Use Of Rhetoric In This Is Water. (2020, September 01). GradesFixer. Retrieved March 29, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/david-foster-wallaces-use-of-rhetoric-in-this-is-water/
“David Foster Wallace’s Use Of Rhetoric In This Is Water.” GradesFixer, 01 Sept. 2020, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/david-foster-wallaces-use-of-rhetoric-in-this-is-water/
David Foster Wallace’s Use Of Rhetoric In This Is Water. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/david-foster-wallaces-use-of-rhetoric-in-this-is-water/> [Accessed 29 Mar. 2024].
David Foster Wallace’s Use Of Rhetoric In This Is Water [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2020 Sept 01 [cited 2024 Mar 29]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/david-foster-wallaces-use-of-rhetoric-in-this-is-water/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now