Use Of The Syntax And Diction In The Speech Of Miss Polly Baker By Ben Franklin
Franklin consistently utilizes negative diction in order to develop Polly Baker into a sympathetic character. Words like ‘punishment, ’ ‘whipping, ’ and ‘scorned’ assist in making it seem like she is a victim. She also used ethos by mentioning the church on multiple occasions. Since the church was a significant aspect of life in 1747, it allows her to be taken seriously and be respected because she was knowledgeable in what the church values. Humans have rights. Women are human. Therefore, women have rights.
A piece of evidence that Polly Baker uses is that the punishment of having a child outside of wedlock is not justifiable. She first mentions that laws are sometimes repealed because they are deemed unreasonable. Then she says that it doesn’t hurt or harm anyone but herself. Polly quickly refutes the idea that having bastard child is a sin by bringing up the idea of the blessing of God. She says that since God has blessed her children with bodies and a soul, they should not be considered a sin. By saying that the church should deal with moral issues, she takes away from the credibility of the court saying that they are not morally supposed to deal with these issues. She admits that she has no control over which she becomes pregnant. By using rhetorical questions, Polly is able to make herself seem more innocent, and allows the reader to take into consideration of what is happening to womenwith a sense of urgency.
The question of “what must a poor woman do?” gives the idea that society is never satisfied. She tailors her argument towards all aspects of the magistrates lives. First, she mention how she has to go to court for having a bastard child. Secondly, she mentions scenarios with higher officials like the Church, and then finally makes describes how the law is unjustified. She says that she, and other women alike, are populating this Earth, just as God made them for. She turns the argument by saying that they are violating the law and are yet praised for it. By explaining a situation about how a woman was to talk down to a man, she would be looked down upon and even hit. She furthers her argument by making the drastic observation that women are being wronged yet what the man did was more severe. Polly points out that women would be shamed by society if the were to do the things a man would do. Women are supposed to do everything with the consent of a man and they are not allowed to do anything more yet the man can do whatever he wants and he is praised.
The syntax and diction establishes Polly as an obedient and humble women. She refers to men politely instead of referring to them negatively and makes sure that she is not being disrespectful in anyway. By using the short line “Forgive me, Gentlemen” Franklin makes a short interjection but also uses the word gentlemen giving the impression that she has the utmost respect for the magistrates. This seems like a questioning of the system. Some holes that are given could be the tone of voice and the ability to speak with such eloquence. Many women with Polly standing would no be able to defend themselves in front of a judge without being criticized by society afterwards. Franklin allows his audience to see this issue from another more reliable perspective. Polly is taken genuinely because she ‘knows from experience. ’
