A weaver named John Downe composed a letter to his wife Sukey while he was in the United States, urging her to join him. In the letter, Downe employs ambiguity, repetition, and pathos to exalt America. Starting with an objective tone, Downe recounts the remarkable experiences he has had in America. As he progresses, he introduces pathos through the use of repetition, specifically addressing Sukey as “my dear” repeatedly.
The purpose of emphasizing his feelings towards his wife through his writing, is to persuade her using guilt. He explains that without her and the family, he cannot be happy but if they join him, he can be happy again. This is his way of motivating her to come. The husband of Sukey begins the letter by briefly describing the Atlantic crossing. He mentions that there will be some inconveniences, but believes it will be worth it because he feels she will like America.
The purpose of his action is to glorify America and avoid focusing on any negatives. This is because his goal is to persuade her. If he were to fully explain what the cross would be like, she would not want to go, which would defeat Downe’s purpose. Instead, he wants her to believe that America is a great place, so he persuades her by presenting America as something superb, rather than the truth. He tells her that “America is not like England,” thus implying that America is superior. As a result, Sukey has no choice but to come to America and see her husband.
