Letter to Sarah Ballou
In his "Letter to Sarah Ballou," Major Sullivan Ballou uses diction, syntax, and imagery to create a tone of profound, yet deferential, love and tribute. His words are carefully selected and interposed to portray the depth of his feelings. Ballou's love for his country and his love for his wife, Sarah, both permeate through the letter and linger in his words. Through his expressions of these loves, he pays abundant homage to both subjects."Sarah my love for you is deathless..." Ballou's selection of words throughout his letter clearly shows the intensity of his love for his wife. He professes that although he may die, his love would never. "But, O Sarah! if the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights...always, always." Through his endless love Ballou reminisces the "blissful moments" he had spent with his wife. By asserting his being "most gratified to God and to you" for these moment
In this heartfelt letter, Ballou substantiates his deep love for both his wife and his country. His word-choice is appropriate for the loyal and loving tone of the piece. Ballou is not succinct. Rather, he is eloquent and illustrative in his writing. His words resonate with a tone of unfathomable love and honor. The writer's imagery is elegant and invokes deep emotions. By disclosing the depth of feeling he has for his two passions, Major Ballou pays incredible homage to both. s, Ballou pays homage to Sarah. His love is not condescending and it does not take his wife for granted. It is out of this love that spring deference and honor through which he laments the "many faults, and the many pains I have caused you." It is out of this homage that he comforts his wife and reassures her that he believes he "shall return to my loved ones unharmed." Even so, he pleads "my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, it will whisper your name."
Some common words found in the essay are:
Sullivan Ballou, Revolution Ballou's, Major Ballou, love wife, love country, ballou's love, ballou's love country, sarah love, pays homage, comforts wife, ballou's diction, battle field, love ballou, deep emotions,
Approximate Word count = 673
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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