Wednesday, October 9, 2013
"Letters" by John and Abigail Adams
Answer your question in 125-150 words. Make sure that your answer has a topic sentence. Content matters; so does grammar. NO comma splices!! NO you, stuff, things, a lot! I recommend answering on a Word or Google doc, saving that doc, and then copying and pasting the content.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
#6
ReplyDeleteIn the last paragraph of John Adams letter written to Abigail Adams, he is being very serious. When he says, “ Despotism of the Petticoat”, is he saying that men will not be ruled by women. Despotism means to rule and a petticoat is what a woman wears under her skirt. He is very rude when she asks him to remember the women while passing bills and laws. Adams says, “ We know better than to repeal our masculine system.” He is unwilling to change the way women are treated. At the end of the letter , Adams says, “ at last they have stimulated the to demand new privileges and threaten to rebel.” Adams seems to be amused by the fact that women are demanding new privileges and threatening to rebel. I believe he is trying to tell Abigail that there are more important things to worry about than the treatment of women. He just comes off and being rude and inconsiderate.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI agree with what you said about John Adams was being very serious in his letter, and how he sort of snickered at the thought that Abigail demanded new privileges and threatened to rebel if she did not get her way. I also believe that John came off as rude and inconsiderate throughout his letter this is the way i interpreted it as well. But now since we have discussed the topic and talked about it more clearer I can sort of see how others believe differently. But I do agree with your remarks.
DeleteI agree with what you said about John Adams was being very serious in his letter, and how he sort of snickered at the thought that Abigail demanded new privileges and threatened to rebel if she did not get her way. I also believe that John came off as rude and inconsiderate throughout his letter this is the way i interpreted it as well. But now since we have discussed the topic and talked about it more clearer I can sort of see how others believe differently. But I do agree with your remarks.
Delete2/5 Not being serious. Think about the term "Despotism of the Peticoat [sic]" (Dictatorship of the Slip). Also, he knows better than repeal the system because, as he admits, men are actually the "subjects." He acknowledges their subservient position in practice. He is unwilling to change, but he lets her down easy.
Delete#5
ReplyDeleteIn paragraph 17 John says to Abigail that he “cannot but laugh” at her suggestions of laws, he gives his best effort to treat her as if she was inferior to him. John IS being disrespectful towards Abigail because “cannot but laugh” gives off the impression that John is being sarcastic and laughing at her for saying anything about the Code Of Laws, he uses these 3 words to grab her attention and make Abigail feel like she is wrong and make her quite aroused. John is very blunt throughout his letter addressing to Abigail what HE thinks and what HE knows and he is correct and she is wrong. John is very rude continuously in his letter, in paragraph 11 he states “ You ask where the Fleet is. The inclosed papers will inform you.” This feeds off negative energy, if I were Abigail I would believe he was being a smart alec.
I think that Abigail was simply trying to sweet talk John. She knew what she wanted and she knew how to get it. By Abigail discussing other political topics, she makes John believe that she does not really care. However, I see where you are coming from. You have some good points.
Delete2/5 If he were striving to treat her as inferior, he wouldn't have given her such a lengthy reply. Another way to look at the enclosed papers is that John trusts her with the top secret info.
DeleteBekah, I don't get this comment: "By Abigail discussing other political topics, she makes John believe that she does not really care."
DeleteThe overall tone in John and Abigail Adams’s 1776 letters was definitely very serious. Both knew the stress that the other was feeling as they were going through the tough situation of being apart. Both John and Abigail portray respect for one another. John’s tone was loving. However, John was aggressive against women getting more rights by stating, “As to your extraordinary Code of Laws, I cannot but laugh” (Paragraph 7) He knew that Abigail wanted rights for women, but he also knew that the congress would not pass any amendments giving women rights…at least not any time soon. Abigail’s tone throughout her letter was concernment. She constantly reminds John to not forget the ladies. With this letter being wrote over 100 years before the 19th amendment giving women the rights to vote was passed, Abigail’s letter was one the first steps to achieve women’s rights.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your observation of Abigail being concerned through out the letter. She showed that she cared by asking about things pertaining to the war and then she asked the question that was really on her mind. I also agree with your observation of John being loving and aggressive. He did not want to hurt her feelings but he was not going to waste his time talking about it.
Delete3/5 True that the content is serious, but to say it's overall serious is too limiting due to frequent displays of lightheartedness. The two surely respect one another--no doubt about that...
DeleteWhat about evidence of intimacy?
Delete#1
ReplyDeleteAbigail Adams establishes two very clear ethos and the questions contribute to the persona in a caring manner. "I wish you would ever write me a letter half as long as I write you; and tell me if you may where your fleet are gone?" (Paragraph 1) Abigail uses ethos to show how she feels when John does not write at least half as much as she writes him. She also uses ethos to show she is concerned about John's fleet and where they are. The questions she asked to the persona being John’s fleet and the nation show she cares. “. . . the uncivilized Natives Brittain represents us to be?” (Paragraph 1) This question to the persona shows she is concerned that the fleet is going to turn into the uncivilized Natives Brittain.
I agree with what you said and I liked how you used quotes from the passage to tell everyone what you where thinking.
Delete2/5 Abigail establishes ethos or credibility through the questions that she poses. By asking about the fleet, Virginia, etc., she demonstrates that she knows what's going on; she is politically savvy. When we read her questions, we know she is intelligent and informed, and therefore, we have a reason to consider her writing seriously.
Delete#1
ReplyDeleteAbigails Adams establishes ethos through her knowledge of the war and the political situation. She has obviously been keeping up with the war and that is impressive due to the fact that in this time period women did not play a role in politics. When she writes, “What sort of Defence Virginia can make against our common Enemy?” she shows concern for the capability of Virginia’s defense. this is an example of how involved she was in politics and war. She also gains credibility by being a good wife. It is apparent this wife has taken the incentive to learn about issues that affect her husband. Abigail is paying attention the happenings in her husband’s current job, his safety, and his surroundings. Through her multiple questions she gives off the persona of a smart, headstrong, and concerned woman. These questions hint to the reader that Abigail has a concrete understanding of the current political situation. and that she is informed and intelligent.
I think that you are right that she shows her knowledgeable, smart, brave, and head-strong. She was being a good wife, and cared about what he was doing; she seemed concerned about the war. She shows the readers her concern and that she is loyal, by writing about the politics and the war. I think its sweet that she takes the time to learn about politics and stay updated on whats going on in society. She proves to be very intelligent and that strengthens her argument that women laws should be changed.
Delete4/5 Well done, Madeline. I really like your observation that she establishes ethos by being a good wife. I honestly didn't think about that, but I believe you are right. Minor errors...words left out, etc.
DeleteAbigail Adams writes to her husband in a sarcastic tone informing him about the situation at home. She starts off by telling him he could write longer letters and asks where he is.She asks him what kind of difference can Virginia make against his common enemy. She later states that she is willing to give a reward to the colony if they produce a Washington ,but they were shamefully tricked by a Dunmore. She also stated that she sometimes thought that the passion for Liberty was not equally strong in the world of dictatorship or abusive lifestyles and she was sure that it was not based on the Christian principle as “do onto others as you would want done unto you.” Abigail tells about how she does not want unlimited power given to the men and that she wants to continue living where they are at.
ReplyDeleteJohn Adams later responds to Abigail’s letter in a serious and informative way. He told her that he could not write long letters because he simply did not have the time to. (He wrote this letter about the same length as her letter so she would not say anything else about it.) He informed her that they had plenty of men and plenty of supplies. Also they were allies with the Daughter colony in North Carolina. He admits to them being tricked by Dunmore ,but he also states that it was a very common case and that all colonies are tricked one time or another. He is appreciative of her concern but he does not want her to worry about the situation right now.
2/5 I see no evidence for sarcasm in the beginning; she sincerely wishes that he would write her longer letters. Good observation that his letter is comparable to hers in length. Write in form of email.
DeleteRegan's reply to Paige via Mrs. Seiffert
Delete#1
ReplyDeleteAbigail Adams establishes ethos through how much she keeps up with the war because she is wanting to keep in touch with her husband and she is dedicated to the cause of independence.. She shows that she has been keeping up with what is going on in the war because she states, “and tell me if you may, where your fleet are gone?” She is asking for information to know the whereabouts of her husband, but then she also poses the question “What sort of Defense Virginia can make against our common Enemy?” For a woman to ask questions, or even be curious, about politics during this time was uncommon, so this does show that she is trying to stay involved in the politics and events of the war. Abigail gives off the persona of an independent woman, with a good head on her shoulders. Abigail shows the reader that she is concerned about her husband, for the most part, and she is smart. She also shows loyalty to her husband, by taking the time to learn about the politics of the war.
5/5 Great job, Bailey.
Delete#3
ReplyDeleteIn John and Abigail Adams' time period women did not have laws regarding inheritance or spousal abuse, the men would be the head of the home and they treated women very unfairly. In Abigails' letters to her husband she indicates that, "all mean would be tyrants if they could", ensuring her husband that it is natural for a man to have issues with power. Abigail makes her argument by claiming, "your sex are Naturally Tyrannical". However, Abigail does not exclude her husband by using diction such as "your sex", "all men", and "husbands". She conveys that John is too a man and is capable of being wrong. Abigail does not accuse him, she uses indirect diction and generally speaks of men. She challenges John by stating, "give up the harsh title of Master for the more tender and endearing one of Friend." Here she admits that women want to feel compassion from their husbands, and they want to have a good relationship with them; but they are too controlling like masters. She tries being persuasive by saying, "If care and attention are not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.
4/5 Your best observation: "Abigail does not accuse him, she uses indirect diction and generally speaks of men". Furthermore, as I said in the fishbowl, she points out that John (and a few others) have chosen to give up their role as master in favor of a better relationship with their wives. And you're right, she does try to persuade him with a fairly mild threat. Careful with apostrophes, comma splices, "assuring" not "ensuring"
Delete#2
ReplyDeleteAbigail Adams is trying to convey the idea that the British left Boston dirty, disease ridden, and empty. Her general impression is that the British had no concern for the city of Boston and the homes of the colonists. She says, “could with pleasure have seen it in flames” to show her disgust at the idea of the British living in her home. I think Abigail chose to use details like “dirty”, “abominable ravages”, and “fallen a prey to their own merciless party” to evoke some patriotism from her husband. I think she chose these details because she wanted to paint a mental picture in her husband's mind to help him to really grasp the destruction of the town. It makes me think of the town of Atlanta during the civil war, which was burned and destroyed by the Union Army.
5/5 As I said today, loved your idea about her plan to evoke patriotism. Commas inside quotation marks.
Delete#4
ReplyDeleteBased on the details John provides in his letter to Abigail, I can conclude that his attitude towards her is loving, although he doesn't approve of her asking him to change. One can tell that John loves Abigail because of the way he answers her questions. He answers them, but he doesn't answer them in a harsh way. When John says, “As to your extraordinary Code of Laws, I cannot but laugh,” he is light- heartedly telling her no. He doesn't want to hurt her feelings, but he disagrees with her question. John Adams also respects Abigail because he writes back to her and answers her questions concerning the war. Back then, women were not respected when it came to politics but he answered her regardless.
I agree with everything you say. John did not intend to make fun of Abigail, or declare her stupid, but he found humor in almost everything she said. I also think this is because women were not respected when it came to politics, but I do think it showed character for John to answer her in a serious way, not sarcastically.
DeleteI also agree. He answers all of her questions even the ones he may not wanted to have answered. He does not want to hurt her feelings so he apologizes for his shortness of letters to show that he does care about her feelings. At the same time he answers her questions regardless of what tone he uses.
Delete4/5 Good work, Mierra.
DeleteIn the closing of John Adams’ letter written to Abigail Adams in 1776, John Adams uses an extremely serious tone. The letters corresponded between he and his wife discuss grave matters about the state of the American army’s defense and Abigail’s concerns of both the war and events happening at home and the tone reflects this. Adams uses heavy words like “wicked” and “despotism”. By writing “the Depotism of the Peticoat”, Adams refers to the idea of women ruling over men. His words seem to insist that the idea would be laughable and also gently tease his wife, but in a patronizing way. The purpose of the ending looks to be to stress the importance of the war over the rights and concerns of minority groups at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI agree Mallory. John does use an extremely serious tone towards Abigail.I disagree about him gently teasing her because he laughed at the idea of women ruling over men. That is disrespectful and if I was Abigail that would make me mad. I also agree that the ending looks to stress the importance of the war and not rights and concerns at the moment.
Delete3/5 The closing was actually intended to be tongue in check. True the letters discuss serious matters, but there are light moments. I agree with your last two sentences.
DeleteNicole, he laughed at her request to "[r]emember the [l]adies" in the new Code of Laws."
DeleteQuestion 4:
ReplyDeleteBased on the details John Adams provides in his letter to Abigail, I can conclude that he has a very understanding attitude towards her. Abigail is not only a woman, but is stereotypical in saying, “Men of Sense in all Ages abhor those customs which treat us only as the vassals of your Sex.” Instead of ignoring the letter or writing a rude response he is kind and patient her, and is very gentle in the way he answers her questions, he graciously tells her no by saying, “as to your extraordinary Code of Laws, I cannot but laugh.” He does not seem willing to make a change, but he is at least humoring her and is respectful.
4/5 How does that demonstrate being stereotypical?
Delete3
ReplyDeleteAbigail Adams uses statements that include her husband, but does not say them directly to her husband. In paragraph nine she states, “all Men would be tyrants if they could”. She is saying all mean would be cruel and oppressive leaders if they could. She says all men to put her husband in that statement, but does not just single him out for being a cruel leader. Abigail Adams also states, “your Sex are Naturally Tyrannical”. She uses your sex to refer to all men being naturally tyrannical. John Adams was obsessed with power in his terms of presidency, it made him go crazy. Abigail Adams uses these statement I believe to help her husband. She wants to point out to her husband that he doing wrong, but does not want to say it directly at him. By her using words to include all men being like that, it makes the words not harsh.
I agree Chase. Abigail is trying to show him that he does not have to be like every other man. She does not directly accuse him of being a tyrant. She is saying that he can choose to publicly be a leader but be happy and respectful to her at the same time.
Delete3/5 You are correct that she does not single him out. What is your source of information that he is "obsessed with power"? I don't see that he is doing wrong; actually, he treats her respectfully by answering her questions.
Delete#8
ReplyDeleteAbigail: Hey John, I wish you would write me letters as long as the ones I write you. How are you and tell me if you may where my Fleets are gone? What sort of Defense Virginia can make against our common enemy? Are they able to make ones defense?
John: I'm fine thanks and the whereabouts to where the fleets are gone are attached to this email as a file. Just click on it and it will open. As far as the Defense of Virginia, they have good officers, a good Militia, and the men are highly skilled. They have set many manufactured firearms and are useful in making powder. They will make an able defense.
Abigail: What about the Gentry and the common people, do they act the same as the uncivilized Britain representatives?
John: As for the Gentry, they are very wealthy while the common people are poor.
Abigail: I hear you have declared an independent and in the new code of law, you should remember the ladies. A lot of unlimited power should not be given to the men. Failure to pay attention to the women could lead us to a rebellion.
John: Just be patient with the Declaration of Independence and as far as the code law, I cannot take power away from the men for it will cause dictatorship of the Petticoat.
4/5 Good job
DeleteHetal,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your answer. I don't believe John Adams was being disrespectful towards his wife by laughing at her. I think that he was laughing at her in a loving way, not because he found her stubbornness overwhelming. I believe he supported his wife's cause because he loved her and let her know that. However, it seemed like he was also trying to explain that he couldn't make other influential men in that time period see things the same way she did, especially when there was a war and other events going on, like you said.
4/5 Well said. Right--he has to laugh, or he will cry! Notice--"woman" vs. "women."
ReplyDelete