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Pathos In Marina Keegan's The Opposite Of Loneliness

Decent Essays

Throughout the essay, “The Opposite of Loneliness” , Marina Keegan utilizes pathos to elicit a “sense of possibility” towards her intended audience. Keegan argues for all members of society to find their own “opposite of loneliness” through memorable moments with the people one cares about most. Keegan’s comical yet personable writing style and the usage of pathos is heavily present. By reminiscing about all the good and bad moments in her Yale experience, she uses the ability to draw out relatable situations and emotions for readers who are in the same position as herself. Keegan addresses to her fellow Yale graduates, though it can apply to other college graduates, since it focuses on the general college experience, not a Yale specific …show more content…

As a result, a sense of urgency and regret can be felt within the audience from Keegan’s tone of it being too late to do something. Hence, this emotionally affects the reader since it makes them think about their own decisions and aspirations within their lives while reading about Keegan’s. Additionally, she continues to discuss to the readers that, “we can’t, we MUST not lose this sense of possibility because in the end, it’s all we have.” Consequently, an emotion of motivation is actualized through this phrase to reassure the audience they do not have to believe that they cannot start something new or that it is too late to do something. In retrospect, Keegan’s purpose is for the audience to leave with an optimistic perspective, or recognize their own “sense of possibility.” Keegan directs her audience towards a proposal towards the future, and reassurance that it is never too late: to change one’s mind, start over, and set your heart to. The Opposite of Loneliness brings a sense of strength to the readers and brings a friendly wake up call that the best life endeavors have yet to

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