Question

Based on “Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan, write a thematic statement and write one rhetorical strategy that creates pathos. Explain why it is effective for the author's argument.

Answer 1

Answer:

Thematic statement: The effort of foreigners to speak the English language must be respected.

Rhetorical strategy that creates pathos: The immigrant is part of the construction of the country, disrespects him because of the way he speaks is to disrespect the nation and promote the discomfort of citizens who are struggling to communicate.

Explanation:

In “Mother Tongue”, Amy Tan reveals her experience living with her foreign mother in America. Amy's mother is Chinese and although she understands English perfectly, she has difficulties in speaking the language fluently and with the rules of grammar established perfectly. This caused Amy's mother to be disrespected and ignored several times, causing her severe discomfort and preventing her, as a contributor in the nation, from living a full life.

This type of behavior is not correct, especially when we live in a country created and built by immigrants, who are the basis of all American families and citizens, with the exception of the natives.