ABIGAIL ADAMS RHETORICAL ANALYSIS REREAD
A) THE LITTLE STUFF: Number the paragraphs of Adams’s letter. (There are 6).
Reread each paragraph closely and answer the following questions on a
separate piece of paper.
Paragraph #1
a. Historical Context: 1780 - What’s the primary shake-up going on in America? Do a little
historical fact check.
b. Context: Adams is writing to her son. Where is he when she’s writing him?
c. What kind of conversation can we infer has already occurred between Adams and her son?
d. AP Graders noted that some students mistakenly read Adams’s tone in this paragraph as
apologetic. If you made that error—even just internally—take note of why. What is Adams’s
tone in this opening paragraph? AND What are a few specific DIFs (quote the details) you would
use to prove that attitude.
e. Vocab: Making sure to consider Adams’s specific contextual use, provide your own synonym for
each of the following words: occasion; repent; deliberation; averse
Paragraph #2
a. AP Graders noted that some students misread the first sentence and believed Adams’s intent
was to warn her son not to misbehave while in France. If you made that error—even in your
mind—take note of why. Using a strong verb for your set-up, paraphrase this first sentence
(lines 9-11) in your own words. Make sure to write in third-person-POV.
b. Now paraphrase the second sentence (lines 11-15) into simple, everyday language. Make sure
to interpret what you believe Adams means by the phrase “you will find your understanding
opening…” Again, use a strong verb and write in third-person POV.
Paragraph #3
a. AP Graders reported that when it came to the river metaphor/analogy that “some students
wrote perfectly sound interpretations of what the metaphor meant, yet failed to explain the effect
the metaphor might have had on John Quincy Adams, Abigail’s audience and the object of her
attempted persuasion.” Write a DEC where you set-up and paraphrase or quote parts of the
river metaphor and then knock that commentary out of the park. Really think about and explain
why Adams includes this comparison. What effect is she hoping it might have on her son and
how does it fit into her persuasive purpose?
b. Paraphrase lines 21-24 into simple everyday language. Set it up with strong verbs and use
third-person POV.
c. Lines 24-26. Where does Adams use absolutes? How does specific diction create her tone?
What is the purpose or effect of that tone?
Paragraph #4
a. Vocabulary/Historical Terminology: What does Adams mean experiencing “the repose” of being
in a “pacific station”? * “repose” is just straight up vocab, but you may need to google multiple
sources to figure out what “pacific station” refers to.
b. What is the controlling idea of this paragraph?
c. From an organization standpoint, what is the relationship between lines 28-34 (It is not…with
difficulties)
d. Vocabulary: What does she mean by “penetration”?
e. Vocab: What are synonyms for Adams’s use of “scourges” and “deprecated” and “lot”?
f. From a historical perspective, what is Adams referring to in lines 43-49?
g. How does Adams employ juxtaposition (in numerous examples) in this paragraph and for what
purpose?
Paragraph #5
a. Tricky Old Timey Vocab/Syntax: In today’s language, how would we write Adams’s
introductory clause “Nor ought it to be one of the least of your incitements towards exerting every
power and faculty of your mind…”? (Ooh, this is a doozy!)
b. When Adams refers to “this contest,” what is she describing?
Paragraph #6
a. Vocab: What are synonyms for Adams’s use of “inviolable” and “dictates” and “render”?
b. What compliment does Adams offer her son and why?
B) THE BIG STUFF:
1. Where is the primary shift in Adams’s tone (and purpose)? What DIFLS signal this shift in
attitude?
2. The AP Graders noted that many students missed the “double edge of Adams’s overall strategy.”
She is trying to convince him of _________________ but also ___________________. She appeals to his
sense of ___________________ but also to his sense of ______________________. What are the two sides of
her strategy and purpose?