Rhetorical Analysis

Amanda Ramirez

Rhetorical Analysis

 2/13/2011

The first things listed in the front matter of the book are the names of both the Author and the Printers. Hannah Foster’s name is first, preceding her date of birth and death. Thomas & Andrews (the printers) are preceded by Boston, the main city of publication and are followed by the number of pages in the book and the year of publication. The fact that the book was published in such a prominent city leads me to believe that the novel was written for the higher class and had prestigious ratings.

The main title page states the title and gives a longer, alternate title, “Lessons of a Preceptors to her pupils: consisting of Information, Instruction, and for the character of young ladies.” Beneath this title is a caption stating that letters by pupils have been added to the text. The author is then introduced to the reader as “a Lady of Massachusetts.” Due to the fact that the book is dedicated, “To the young ladies of American,” I believe that the author’s introduction as a Lady of Massachusetts gives her more credibility to write advice to young ladies.

It appears from this title that the society in which the novel was printed valued women of virtuous principles and innocent, docile mindsets. Foster is taking the accepted values for women and is integrating the idea of the value of education. This creates a radical idea in a comfortable setting for the reader, which, in my opinion is why the book was printed in Boston and in so many other cities as I learned on the database called worldcat. The first page of the novel begins by looking at “Mrs. Williams, the virtuous relist of a respectable clergyman.” A virtuous woman was the ideal of the late 1700’s when the book was printed. Foster wisely introduces the acceptable society social norm before integrating her ideas of education. The young women of the boarding school are described by Foster as “initiated into the polite accomplishments, which embellish virtue and soften the cares of human life.” Foster uses these descriptions to praise the work of education to women. Good

There are no illustrations in the front matter of the book, but below the author’s introduction it repeats that the novel was printed in Boston and gives the printer names. Below this it states who sold the books; it was sold by I. Thomas and E. T. Andrews (the printers), and C. Bingham, by Penniman in Albany. The caption also states that it was sold by other booksellers in Boston and that the printers also sold the book in Baltimore along with Buttler.

The dedication, which follows the title pages, states the vitality of “the many advantages of a good education.” The author does not however, act as though education is the only thing worth achieving. Foster goes on to discuss that virtues and principles contribute to the “foundation of a useful and happy life.” She points out that these virtuous principles are best when impressed into young and “docile” minds.