Final Answer:
The excerpt is an appeal to pathos because it evokes a strong emotional response by describing a distressing and pitiful scene of a two-year-old boy being covered in flies and mosquitoes, which prompts the reader to feel sympathy and compassion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is an appeal to pathos because it aims to evoke an emotional response from the reader. The vivid description of the two-year-old boy being so heavily covered in flies and mosquitoes that it appears as if he is wearing long johns creates a distressing and pitiful image.
This imagery is designed to elicit feelings of sympathy, compassion, and concern from the reader, appealing to their emotions rather than their logic or reasoning. The use of descriptive language and visual imagery in the excerpt effectively engages the reader’s emotions, making it a clear appeal to pathos.
Furthermore, the mention of a young child in such a distressing situation is likely to trigger an emotional response in most readers. The use of specific details, such as the boy’s age and the overwhelming presence of flies and mosquitoes, adds to the emotional impact of the statement.
By painting a vivid and poignant picture of the boy’s suffering, the excerpt effectively appeals to the reader’s emotions, aiming to elicit a strong sense of empathy and concern for the child’s well-being.
In conclusion, the excerpt is an appeal to pathos because it uses vivid imagery and specific details to create a distressing and pitiful scene, prompting an emotional response from the reader. By evoking feelings of sympathy and compassion, the statement effectively appeals to the reader’s emotions, highlighting the power of emotional persuasion in communication.