Abigal Adams Letter To Her Son Analysis

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John Adams is a strong leader who fought his way to the top but has he had a strong influence on the younger generations during this time? Abigal Adams writes to her son a letter right before he goes out for sea. Adams letter makes many connections and emotional appeals to illustrate the value of experience and challenges for her son. In the letter to her son, Adams establishes connections between her son’s current challenge and history to encourage him to overcome his own struggles. Abigal Adams asks the question, “Would Cicero have shone so distinguished an orator if he had not been roused, kindled, and enflamed by the tyranny of Catiline, Verres, and Mark Anthony?” Through this question, she tries to change her sons mind about how he wants to live his life. By referencing this quote Abigal Adams shows that she wants her son to learn from experience and challenges in his life. Not only does she make connections to Cicero but she also writes about history and …show more content…
Worried about her son Abigal Adams compares “a judicious traveler to a river.” Adams implies that the farther away from the river her son goes the more he will learn and grow along the way. By writing this she feels her son needs to get away from his hometown and recognize the challenges life has to offer. In the letter Adams also wrote, “Gives me pleasing hopes that you will not swerve from her dictates but add justice, fortitude, and every manly virtue which can adorn a good citizen.” Abigal Adams clarifys that she wants her son to take on the difficult lessions in life. Here, she explains why she is confident in what her son can do and is confident in her son’s decisions. Abigal Adams incorporated many sincere feelings throughout the letter to reassure him that he can overcome all the challenges his voyage will throw at him and also learn from experience along the