The Idea of an Essay, Volume 3

96 The Idea of an Essay: Volume 3 becoming a substitute, twice removed, for genuine connection” (10). This is where Deresiewicz attacks the root of problem with the internet and social media. After he admits the internet is good, he turns around and accuses it for deteriorating one’s view of self, claiming that it is impossible to be alone (10). This last statement, although a logical fallacy, really enables the reader to reflect on what they just read. He also adds another limit to his claim at the end of his article when he states that solitude is not for everyone (21). Solitude takes work, and one must pursue solitude in order to experience its full potential. Deresiewicz did a fantastic job connecting with his readers through his use of contrast. This writing pattern served in his favor to relate to the reader, and allowed the reader to be persuaded even more. His comparison of loneliness and boredom allowed the reader to visualize what it means to be terrified of being lonely and it brought the article to amore personal level, unfolding the view of solitude from a new perspective. This perspective also signifies to the reader that there are a lot of dimensions to this argument that must be studied. Deresiewicz effectively draws conclusions about what has been lost with the neglect of solitude with his use of logos. After establishing good credibility and connecting with the reader emotionally, he begins to use logos by incorporating variety of quotes and logical statements that add to the complexity of the issues at hand. He makes a lot of strategically placed logos statements, further persuading the reader to conform to his way of thinking. Although logos is present with the historical summary of solitude, Deresiewicz does not utilize all aspects of it until he has his readers convinced and emotionally attached. Paragraph sixteen and seventeen are great examples of a strong logos argument that Deresiewicz uses. With logical reasoning, he structures what has been lost from the neglect of solitude, and further concludes that we no longer believe in a solitarymind. Also, by quotingTheoreau he backs his explanation with supporting evidence. Deresiewicz is very organized in the way he laid out his argument. First, he established credibility by the way he looked back at solitude on history, second he related to the reader by describing his own experience with boredom, comparing it to loneliness and solitude, and finally he told the reader what has happened now that solitude is lost. This structure clearly uses ethos, pathos, and logos to persuade the reader and it was done effectively.