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Pointed diction in “City Upon a Hill” by John Winthrop

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User MJay
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Step-by-step explanation:

John Winthrop's "City Upon a Hill" sermon is known for its use of pointed diction, which is language that is deliberately chosen to convey a particular meaning or attitude.

In this sermon, Winthrop uses pointed diction to emphasize the importance of the Puritan mission to create a utopian society in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He refers to the colony as a "city upon a hill," a biblical reference to Matthew 5:14, which says, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."

Winthrop's use of this phrase is intentional, as he is calling on the Puritans to be a shining example to the rest of the world. He uses pointed diction to convey a sense of urgency and importance, emphasizing that the eyes of the world are upon them and that they must not fail in their mission.

For example, he says, "For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us." By using the phrase "must consider," Winthrop is making it clear that this is not a suggestion, but a commandment. He is also using the phrase "the eyes of all people are upon us" to create a sense of accountability and responsibility.

Winthrop also uses pointed diction to emphasize the idea of community and collective responsibility. He says, "We must delight in each other, make others' conditions our own, rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together." The use of the phrase "make others' conditions our own" highlights the idea that the Puritans must work together and support each other if they are to succeed in their mission.

Overall, Winthrop's use of pointed diction in "City Upon a Hill" is a key element of the sermon's rhetorical power. By using language that is deliberate and impactful, Winthrop creates a sense of urgency and importance, emphasizing the Puritans' responsibility to create a utopian society in the New World.

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User Tim Kuehn
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