Tanmayee Yenumula: Outside Readings (Set 5): Editorial Essay 3.20.11

False Confessions is a New York Times editorial article that discusses the future of Douglas Warney “a person of limited mental capabilities who has been diagnosed with AIDS and AIDS dementia” who served nine years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The author of this article uses a very straightforward approach to his stance and makes his voice clear through the usage of language, syntax, and diction.

            The most noticeable rhetoric device used by the author is the language. The author makes use of a very plain style of writing in order to allow readers of any education level to understand the situation. For example, when he talks about Warney’s release, the author says “DNA evidence showed the murder was actually committed by a man Mr. Warney had never met”. This is a very plain and simple method of talking about one man being convicted for another man’s crime!

            In keeping with a plain style of language, the syntax choices involve short, compact sentences with high impact words at the end. For example, he says, “lower state courts have rashly agreed”. This is an example of a simple statement that is nonetheless used to push towards a specific viewpoint.

            The final literary technique used was the diction. Once again, just as with the syntax, the diction choice firmly enhances the plain language style. For such a controversial issue, the author uses more neutral words that, when placed with the syntax structures, create the understanding towards the viewpoint that is being argue for. For example, the author makes use of words such as “troubled” to make his point.

            These elements allowed me to clearly understand the author’s viewpoint with no comprehension issues. However, this author would not work well as an AP speaker because he never once acknowledges the opposing viewpoint, which would be deliberately leaving out some evidence. Despite this, the author does a great job making his point.