Rhetorical Analysis: "Corn-Pone Opinions"

     In the text "Corn-Pone Opinions," the author, Mark Twain, tries to inform readers about how people are always influenced by someone else with the idea of conformity. One rhetorical device Twain utilizes is logos, specifically when he mentions the hoopskirt. Twain discusses how the hoopskirt started off as a strange idea for clothing, but six months later, it suddenly becomes a huge fashion trend. The hoopskirt was an actual fashion trend that started because people were looking to be like everyone else. This kind of event occurs due to people wanting to follow what is popular at the time.  Twain states that "it is our nature to conform; it is a force which not many can successfully resist" (Paragraph 9, Lines 6-7). He is letting the reader visualize how people can be easily conformed through the factual example of the hoopskirt, which strengthens Twain's claim that people are always influenced by someone else. Since this example is historically correct and Twain is logically analyzing why this trend occurred, Twain is using logos to emphasize his purpose.

     Mark Twain also utilizes another rhetorical device: inclusive diction. Inclusive diction is when the author of a text makes the reader feel connected to the content of the text by using words such as "we" or "our." Twain features the use of inclusive diction in order to allow the reader to make a personal connection to conformity. An example of this is when he states, "...self-approval. We all have to bow to that; there are no exceptions" (Paragraph 9, Lines 8-9). Twain incorporates the words "we all" to suggest that everyone is a victim to self-approval or conformity. The statement makes the reader feel like they are a part of the text, which allows the reader to think more deeply about if they are a victim to conformity. This elaborates his claim of how people are always influenced by someone else, since readers can relate to Twain's statement. Due to the fact that Twain is using words like "we all" to form a personal connection to the reader, he is using inclusive diction to support his purpose. 

    Mark Twain mainly addresses the idea of how everyone is always influenced by someone else in his text "Corn-Pone Opinions." I personally agree with that idea. Most people are going to be following what is popular at the time in order to fit in with everyone else. Not many people, including me, are willing to stand out as the unique person who is different from everyone else. Also, Twain mentions how people are always looking for approval in others. I agree with that because most people are going to be self-conscious of how they present themselves to others. Most people will want to make a good impression on others, which is why many people do the things they do. For me, I try to think in my head if what I'm going to say next will impact someone's perception of me. Whenever I say something I didn't mean to say or do something I didn't mean to do, I often wonder if the people around me will think poorly of me. That's why I prefer to be quiet most of the time, except when I'm talking about my interests with friends. However, I feel like many people can relate to how I feel, so I don't really worry too much anymore. No one is perfect and everyone will make mistakes.