Lord Chesterfield Letter To His Son

Words: 473
Pages: 2

Through the utilization of literary techniques, Lord Chesterfield exemplifies his values in his letter to his son. The main purpose he had was to appeal to his son, and to convince him to take his education seriously. While doing so, he also illustrates his expectations and stance towards advising his child. For this purpose, Chesterfield consequently creates a fluent piece that outlines his specific creeds.
Chesterfield includes several rhetorical statements that he desperately wants his son to understand. He states that life is about living and enjoying yet counteracts what he said by stating, “... Can there be anything more mortifying than to be excelled by them(one’s own age and manner of life)?” To clarify, Chesterfield expresses that
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He relates to his child by stating that he, “... only means to advise as a friend, and an indulgent one too.” To elucidate, Chesterfield wants to relate to his son by comparing himself as someone to be emotionally trusted. By doing so, he creates a comfortable bond between himself and his child-like son. Then, he drastically changes the tone towards his son in a disciplinary way. He states,“...in this latter case, your shame and regret must be greater than anybody’s, because everybody knows the uncommon care which has been taken of your education, and the opportunities you have had of knowing more than others your age.” In brief, Chesterfield addresses his disappointment and disgust with his son’s education. He mentions that his son has had more opportunities and experience to further his schooling yet, has done nothing of significance to do so. The effect of relating then criticizing his child served as an intellectual strategy. By sympathizing first, he was able to attain the attention of his son on a personal and humble level. Therefore, with the attention grasped by his pupil, he was able to conclude on a more serious and severe