TOW #23

            In Malcolm Gladwell’s book David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants, he uses several forms of analysis to prove his overall point that being the underdog can often be advantageous. Gladwell spends the entirety of the book verifying that, throughout history, misfits and underdogs have miraculously overcome burdensome prejudice despite their apparent lack of skill. He believes that, in the case of someone who may be outnumbered or outmatched in strength, dexterity, or popularity, using alternative methods can be more successful than having all the winning attributes and following the classical methods that have proved prosperous in the past. In order to prove this nearly inconceivable claim, Gladwell employs the use of extensive statistical analysis. Gladwell uses this form of persuasion in order to prove his point by writing, “What happens in wars between the strong and the weak when the weak side does as David did and refuses to fight the way the bigger side wants to fight, using unconventional or guerrilla tactics? The answer: in those cases, the weaker party’s winning percentage climbs from 28.5 percent to 63.6 percent.” (Gladwell 21-22). By using statistics and by citing logistical evidence, Gladwell appeals to logos in order to support his claim that using unconventional methods can be more successful than trying to win in a traditional way. His statistical analysis also has egos due to its credibility and is thus difficult to dispute, further solidifying Gladwell’s point. This allows him to achieve his purpose of helping people understand that it is okay and acceptable to be weaker or to be an outcast, and that anyone can still be victorious by using atypical methods. Through his use of statistical analysis, which appeals to both logos and egos, Malcolm Gladwell successfully proves and supports his claim while achieving the purpose of his book. 

TOW #21

                In the eloquently written short story by Jason D. Hill, Hill uses a second person point of view to make a powerful statement and appeal to the reader. Bipolar, Lithium, Suicide and the Lost Years of my Life is a short non-fiction essay describing plight of a man, Hill, who suffers from Bipolar disorder while pursuing a PhD in Philosophy. He struggled to cope with the suicidal thoughts, or ‘death baby’ as he referred to it, and found himself in a mental hospital where he was diagnosed with the disorder. He was them put on the medication Lithium Bicarbonate, or Lithium for short, which caused many side effects like fatigue and lack of motivation. He chronicles his journey through this magnificently written piece. In order to show the reader what that time was like for him and to become closer with the reader, Hill uses a second person point of view in the narrative. He writes, “You are hopeful. You feel relieved; finally something to quiet the Death Baby. Then it starts. The world becomes flat. You feel flat. You cannot feel. You are numb.” (Hill 21). By using second person as opposed to first or third person, Hill is speaking directly to the reader instead of telling his story from a more objective perspective. This allows the reader to feel closer to Hill and his story, thereby sympathizing with his troubles. The use of this point of view also allows the reader to imagine themselves as having the disorder and creates a sense of empathy. Anyone reading this essay is more easily able to understand what having Bipolar is like and can put themselves in the shoes of others with Bipolar. Through evoking sympathy and empathy, Hill is able to make the readers understand Bipolar from a new perspective and relate to it much more. Hill’s use of rhetoric greatly benefitted his purpose and successfully proved his point.