Giddens-CF


 * ======An Epistemic Case Study: Identification and Attitude Change in John McPhee's Coming into the Country - Elizabeth Giddens - by Courtney Fox======

Giddens begins by explaining the style of which Mcphee uses when writing about people and places that he has came into contact with. He is always putting his trust in his "subjects' skills, knowledge, and advice while researching articles and books." But there has to be trust between both parties involved. Just like McPhee is trusting the information he gathers from others, those people need to trust that McPhee is retelling the story in a truthful manner. There has to be plenty of honesty, trust and good intentions from both parties involved or else the story will be lacking and the readers will not be entertained.

Another reason that McPhee seems to be so widely accepted by his readers is his genuine humility and modesty. He has a calm and collected way of writing which often times draws people in. McPhee claims that he is a student to the world and is constantly learning from people, places and the universe in general. Thus, when he writes, he always attempts to address his subjects in a kinfd manner because "as a student, he will not make harsh or hasty judgements of others."

Giddens describes McPhee's use of rhetoric in his writing as well. According to her there are three stages: Compliance, Identification and Internalization. Compliance is when the reader is "coerced" into accepting what the author has to say. Identification is when "the audience is motivated to establish or maintain a satisfying relationship with the rhetor." And lastly, Internalization is when the audience truly believes in the "authors credibility and the reader accepts the authors point of view." These are all characteristics that Giddens claims that McPhee demonstrates throughout his writing.

Throughout the twenty or so pages of the article, Giddens is basically referring to McPhee's sense of persuasion in his writing. He uses different forms in different articles but his style remains the same. He hooks the reader and makes he/she view the world through his own eyes. He has a unique sense of writing that draws and coerces the reader to accept his point of view.