Question 2: Abigail Adams

In 1780, Abigail Adams wrote to her son John Quincy Adams while he was overseas with his father, before he became president. In the letter Abigail uses metaphors, logical comparisons, and talks about how John can use his talent out in the world and during difficult times.

Abigail Adams wrote to John in a kind manner rather trying to reprimand him of how he should be using his talents. She said “Your knowledge of language must give you greater advantages.” Which indicates that she knows that he will do well in his trip. She tells him that he has natural talents to build his confidence and help him recognize those talents. Abigail uses the metaphor “older and wiser” which means that his knowledge will grow and become great as he matures.

Abigail uses logical comparison to give John an idea of how he should work and behave during the voyage and throughout his life. The caring mother compares a judicious traveler to a river. She said that even a wise traveler can not find his way through the woods as smoothly as a river can. Adams want her son to be as smooth and fluent as a river. She wants him to know that being fluent and smooth is greater that being wise. She hopes that he will become diligent and mature from this trip.

Adams talk about the difficulties that he will be facing. She gives him solutions on ways to conquer those difficulties with his natural talents. She implies that he is a genius like Licero and that “ the habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties.” Abigail tells him that some of the struggles will be as big as “war, desolation, and tyranny.” But she tells him his talents, especially being articulate in language will allow him to conquer those difficulties and become “Almighty.”

 Abigail Adams wrote to her son John Quincy Adams to help him recognize his gifts. She did not know that John will be something as great as president but she did know that the way he was and raised will guarantee a bright and successful future ahead of him.