Lord Chesterfield Letter To His Son Analysis

In the letter written in the 18th century to his son, Philip, who lived far from home, Lord Chesterfield establishes his position, threatens his son’s financial source and stresses the importance to be the best in order to reap the benefits of obedience, good reputation and perfection. First, Lord Chesterfield establishes his position in order to get his make his son obedient to him. Take, for example, in the beginning of the letter Chesterfield writes “I know how unwelcome advice generally is” (Chesterfield 3-4), or in other words Chesterfield is already aware his son will read the letter with a prejudice therefore resorts to using reverse psychology. This establishing of his position, because it requires Phillip Stanhope to feel guilty,
Take, for example, when he writes “…can there be anything more mortifying than to be excelled by them?” (Chesterfield 52-54), or in other words Chesterfield is saying there is nothing worse than being excelled by someone else even if it is by a margin. Using rhetorical questions emphasize the importance of achieving excellence and perfection, values Chesterfield holds very dearly. This emphasis of being perfect, because it requires Phillip Stanhope to feel motivated and try as much as hard as he can to be the best of the best, is a tactic that will most likely succeed as Stanhope will realize the truth in his father’s statement as he is an illegitimate child and need to questions asked about his capabilities. Moreover, because Stanhope will heed to his father’s advice and strive to be the best, therefore will work hard not to be questioned of his social status. Next Chesterfield continues writes “…your shame and regret must be greater than anybody’s,” that is society “because everybody knows the uncommon care which has been taken of your education, and the opportunities” as a nobles son “you had of knowing more than others of your age” (Chesterfield 56-60), a statement that could be proven true by others who have known Chesterfield. Chesterfield warns his son of the consequences that could result in doing this half-heartedly “… one may as well not know a thing at all, as know it imperfectly” (Chesterfield 66-67) by reminding his son that as a person who was born into a position with many opportunities granted to him, and therefore failure to work hard and excel others of his age would unavoidably bring shame and disgrace to himself and his father. Taken together stressing the importance of being the best and being perfect, even though it sounds harsh, it is just out of love and concern that Chesterfield wants the best for his son to that his is not