Final answer:
In the essay 'A Quilt of a Country,' the writer strengthens her essay by using rhetorical devices such as repetition, parallelism, anaphora, rhetorical questions, diction, and syntax. These devices contribute to the clarity and impact of the essay's message.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the essay A Quilt of a Country, the writer uses various rhetorical devices to strengthen her essay. She employs repetition to emphasize certain ideas and create emphasis. For example, in repeating the phrase "A quilt of a country," she evokes the image of a diverse yet interconnected nation. This repetition reinforces the theme of unity within diversity.
The writer also uses parallelism to organize and highlight her ideas. By structuring sentences with similar grammatical structures, she draws attention to the equality and importance of different perspectives. An example of parallelism in the essay is the phrase "They stepped into another quilt of a country, this one decreed in the Constitution." This repetition of the phrase "a quilt of a country" in parallel sentence structures strengthens the writer's argument.
Anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, is also utilized by the writer. This device adds a poetic quality to the essay and emphasizes key ideas. For example, the anaphora "Not just... Not just... Not just..." is employed to underscore the complex and multi-faceted nature of American identity.
The writer's use of rhetorical questions engages the reader and encourages deeper reflection. These questions challenge readers to consider their own perspectives and beliefs. For instance, the question "Why not study them...Perhaps it would even touch their hearts..." prompts the reader to consider the potential power of learning about other cultures.
The writer's choice of diction and syntax in the essay is appropriate and effective. The language is clear and strong, reflecting the writer's message and tone. The use of rhetorical devices such as repetition, parallelism, anaphora, rhetorical questions, diction, and syntax all strengthen the essay by conveying the writer's ideas with impact and clarity.