Rhetorical Analysis Paper (600+ Words)

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Noname

Jimothy Noname

Mr. Friend

English 250

February 11, 2019

Rhetorical Analysis: “July: Buy Some Happiness”

In the chapter, “July: Buy Some Happiness,” by Gretchen Rubin, the author integrates her personal research on and experience of the relationship between money and happiness. Blending science and common sense, Rubin comes to the conclusion that “money alone can’t buy happiness…but money can help buy happiness” (293). She writes in an upbeat manner, bringing everyday American readers (her audience) through her thought process to her conclusions, using the basic rhetorical appeals to the audience’s everyday life, economic position, and desire to be happier.

The bar was not set high for Rubin when it came to using pathos. By describing relatable personal events in her life, she humanizes herself so that her audience could identify with her. Feeling so happy buying a simple product like a pen, splurging by donating time or money to a cause or even hosting a family party were some things the general population can recognize and acknowledge easily (Rubin 203, 204, 208).

Although most people can relate to Rubin’s experiences dealing with money and the impact it can have to happiness, she’s aiming for middle aged adults who already have a life, a career, a house, and a family of their own. Some may argue that Rubin is not writing for college students on a shoestring budget. Mostly, her findings from statistics and personal experiences are relatable for people who are in the same level and circumstances as her. However, this is not a bad strategy, considering that Rubin’s book was published after her blog was already successful. Still, Rubin writes as though anyone can follow her advice. She states “any kind of gain creates at least a momentary atmosphere of growth, and there are a lot of reasons why people love to make a purchase” (298). She gives a few examples of these moments and one of them is repairing homes to maintain them and keep them in good shape (keep them attractive), or spending money to live differently from people’s peers (to better themselves).

Rubin’s main strength as a writer is how she bridges the gap between the research on happiness and everyday choices. Rubin shows her understanding of ethos, establishing herself as a credible author, by providing statistics from reputable research sources like the Pew Research Center when she reports on happiness levels associated with different economic levels (292). But these cold hard facts are hard to translate into what the average American does at the grocery store. Here is where her conversations with friends, choices on small issues like the type of shirt to buy, and problems after childbirth give the audience ways of applying her research.

Rubin’s writing strength is further demonstrated by her use of logical arguments (logos). She does this without being argumentative. She shows both sides of an argument and leads the audience to a conclusion. For instance, she describes shoppers who buy just what they need which may sound frugal (203). She contrasts them to others having so many possessions that they don’t use them. Something needed will be appreciated and brings happiness while redundancy, not necessarily. There is a middle ground in many uses of money to secure happiness and Rubin acknowledges this.

Many see money as a means to happiness, but Gretchen Rubin challenges her audience to think deeper. Her writing style is such that readers identify with her can follow her logical thought process easily and have some sense of her expertise as she describes her research through the chapter. She uses rhetorical techniques in such a positive way that the reader feels like he or she is talking to a knowledgeable friend.

Works Cited

Rubin, Gretchen. “July: Buy Some Happiness.” Pursuing Happiness: a Bedford Spotlight Reader, by Matthew Parfitt and Dawn Skorczewski, Bedford/St. Martin's, a Macmillan Education Imprint, 2016, pp. 291–307.