Mark Twain's Corn Pone Opinions
When people behave in accordance with socially accepted standards, they have conformed. One can see examples of this in everyday life, such as what people wear or what religion they practice. While the idea is not a new one, Mark Twain expands on this idea in his essay “Corn-Pone Opinions,” in which he tries to persuade the reader that one naturally conforms in an act of self-approval. Rhetoric devices and concrete examples help Twain to develop and strengthen his opinions within his essay
By describing his thoughts on conformity, Twain, possibly unknowingly, makes an appeal to pathos. He makes the claim that a “coldly-thought-out and independent verdict” is “a most rare thing--if it has indeed ever existed”. However, by making the claim …show more content…
Twain’s example of the hoopskirt acts as the strongest example in the essay. While current society has no interest in hoopskirts, at one point, they were the fashion. The idea of fashion causing conformity becomes logical when one thinks about fashions that have just recently gone out of style, such as platform shoes and parachute pants. One day, one person wears the fashion, and the next, “the fashion has established itself”. However, just as quick as the fashion becomes popular, it disappears. This can still be seen in today’s society, allowing Twain’s idea to be both a logical and a timeless one.
Twain appeals to ethos by referencing Shakespeare. People can connect better to references that they are aware of, and the majority of people know about Shakespeare. Twain refers to Shakespeare as “a standard” because his prose cannot be distinguished from anyone else’s. Had Twain referenced a lesser-known writer, the allusion may have gone right over the readers’ heads. Furthermore, the reference allows Twain to display himself as a well-versed and knowledgeable, and people are more likely to listen to someone they view as intelligent.
Twain’s strong use of rhetorical language enhance his essay to the point of being able to persuade. He provides concrete evidence to support his claims, and therefore, his essay contains a strong backbone. Twain presents solid evidence to support his cause, and his rhetoric allows for
By describing his thoughts on conformity, Twain, possibly unknowingly, makes an appeal to pathos. He makes the claim that a “coldly-thought-out and independent verdict” is “a most rare thing--if it has indeed ever existed”. However, by making the claim …show more content…
Twain’s example of the hoopskirt acts as the strongest example in the essay. While current society has no interest in hoopskirts, at one point, they were the fashion. The idea of fashion causing conformity becomes logical when one thinks about fashions that have just recently gone out of style, such as platform shoes and parachute pants. One day, one person wears the fashion, and the next, “the fashion has established itself”. However, just as quick as the fashion becomes popular, it disappears. This can still be seen in today’s society, allowing Twain’s idea to be both a logical and a timeless one.
Twain appeals to ethos by referencing Shakespeare. People can connect better to references that they are aware of, and the majority of people know about Shakespeare. Twain refers to Shakespeare as “a standard” because his prose cannot be distinguished from anyone else’s. Had Twain referenced a lesser-known writer, the allusion may have gone right over the readers’ heads. Furthermore, the reference allows Twain to display himself as a well-versed and knowledgeable, and people are more likely to listen to someone they view as intelligent.
Twain’s strong use of rhetorical language enhance his essay to the point of being able to persuade. He provides concrete evidence to support his claims, and therefore, his essay contains a strong backbone. Twain presents solid evidence to support his cause, and his rhetoric allows for