Analysis Of Persuasive Techniques Used By David Foster Wallace In Consider The Lobster

David Foster Wallace uses details to show the cruelty of preparing lobsters. Wallace gives outside resources to his readers and also draws their attention to MFL who state that lobsters don’t feel pain. Wallace may have a controversial opinion, but his article can influence the audience’s moral judgment on boiling lobsters to be consumed. Wallace uses descriptive details and pathos in his article to convince an audience that includes lobster festival attendees, chefs, animal rights activists, and public.

Wallace’s argument is supported by facts and a lot of detail. He uses the Maine Lobster Festival to show the unnecessary deaths of lobsters. Wallace illustrates the preparation of Lobsters at both the Main Lobster event and one’s own kitchen. Wallace goes in great detail to describe the Maine Lobster Festival, so that he can convey the idea of people ignoring the mass slaughter of thousands lobsters. Wallace’s describes the lobster trying to hold onto the container and even hooking its claws, just as if it were a person who was in pain. Wallace cites sources to confirm that lobsters experience pain. In his article, he corrects the sources that claim Lobsters are not aware of pain. By doing so, his article becomes more credible. Wallace emphasizes how a Lobster’s scrabbling shows that it is in pain. U.S. News reports that some people believe the hissing sound when crustaceans are in boiling water to be a scream. (It’s not as they do not have vocal chords.) Wallace also appeals to emotions and creates a pathos effect by comparing the Maine Lobster Festival to a Nebraska Beef Festival. The audience feels guilty when comparing the Maine Lobster Festival with the Nebraska Beef Festival. Wallace asks, “At which part of the festival is it that people watch trucks pulling up, and then the cattle are driven down and killed right there …”? But what about the lobsters?” Wallace’s hypocrisy is evident when he uses the example of how the people are saddened by the slaughter of the Cattle but not Lobsters. He uses this example to show how hypocritical people are when it comes to the mass killing of lobsters, but find other animal slaughters horrifying. Wallace continues with another inhumane metaphor. “Lobster will often cling to container sides or even hook claws on the kettle’s rim to avoid going over a rooftop.” This is a great example of how the boiling process can make the cooking method seem cruel. Wallace uses another comparison to show how lobsters are only for the poor and that it is cruel to feed them. Wallace’s disgusting words are backed by many others. “Lobsters, boiled or not, are good to sell and look pretty, but as for eating, I would prefer rubber castoffs.” Wallace’s metaphors help audiences to better understand how lobsters suffer when they are cooked.

Wallace uses logic to help readers understand Lobsters. Knowing more about Lobsters will help readers understand the unethical nature of boiling Lobsters. Wallace offers research on the Maine Lobster Festival that is a well-known event. Wallace’s arguments may have made many people want to avoid the Main Lobster Festival after mentioning its horrifying aspects. Wallace’s ability to explain to the audience what is involved in having a live lobster on their plate gives them a better understanding. Wallace may have a negative view of lobster boiling, but many people love eating lobster and don’t want to stop. Lobsters have become more than just a food item for many individuals. They are an idea or event. Wallace explains the reasons why Lobsters shouldn’t be boiled/cooked. He uses facts, pathos and logic to support his argument. Wallace demonstrates that Lobsters are in pain and it’s cruel to kill them. Wallace is extremely convincing and makes his audience think.

Author

  • tobyevans

    Toby Evans is an educational blogger and school teacher who uses her blog to share her ideas and experiences with her students and fellow educators. She is passionate about helping her students learn and grow, and uses her blog as a way to share her knowledge and insights with the world.