Herold’s AP Comp and Lang blog

Logos: Downe uses statistics and real examples, such as the cheap cost of beef and other essentials, and the kindness of the people around him who “will lend him a barrel” of cider to show that things are indeed better in America.

Pathos: Downe appeals to his wife’s emotions and her desire for freedom and equality in the sentence, “America is not like England, for here no man thinks himself your superior.”

Ethos: When Downe says, “I would rather cross the Atlantic ten times than hear my children cry for victuals once,” he is giving evidence of his own values.

Logical Fallacy: Downe uses a fallacy of omission by only using examples that support his argument and leaving out important details that might refute him.

Values: His opening sentence shows his values by saying how well he is doing, and that he would not have written if life in New York wasn’t going well. He shows himself as a responsible father by taking the initiative to settle down ASAP and get things all set up.