Argument Analysis 6- "Life Is Precious, or It's Not"

Barbara Kingsolver has chosen to tackle a growing problem in our society and has done a wonderful job at convincing the reader through the masterful use of emotion. By starting with a direct allusion to a major tragedy that we as a country experienced together, she grabs our attention with the Columbine Shooting to prove that extreme violence is never "senseless." Through powerful emotion, Kingsolver allows us to see the horrors of our society and challenges us to change with way we deal with problems not just in our own homes but as a country as well.

In her gripping first line, "Columbine used to be one of my favorite flowers" (Kingsolver), she immediately hooks the reader. By using the story of a national tradegy she begins to unite us and connect with us on an extremely emotional level. Through her use of pathos the reader is driven towards her explanation of why? How is it possible that people are fueled to commit such terrible acts of terror? Her use of rhetorical questions gives the reader a chance to change their way of thinking and perhaps answer for themselves why our society is major factor in extreme violence. "...why are we so quick to assume that guns and bombs are the answer?" (Kingsolver)

Kingsolver gives excellent supporting arguments such as we feel as a society that killing is manly and therefore it appeals to young men. In our short history as a country we have always solved major problems with wars, dropping bombs, and killing innocent people simply to prove a point. Kingsolver makes us see the connection between seemingly "senseless" acts such as school shootings and the decisions we make everyday- violence is never "without cause." Not only do we solve problems with war but we fill our homes with violent TV shows, games, and music. To drive her argument, Kingsolver challenges the American public to change starting within our own homes. "Those of us who agree to this contract can start my removing from our households and lives every television program, video game, film, book, toy, and CD that presents the killing of humans (however symbolic) as an entertainment option, rather than the appalling loss it really is" (Kingsolver).

Through her use of voice it's as if she is almost reprimanding us as a country for indirectly supporting this violence. Though she does not clearly define a thesis, her whole argument is the main point that we should pay attention to. Kingsolver challenges us to change for the sake of our future- "Let's be honest. Death is extreme, and the children are paying attention" (Kingsolver).