Why Stuff is Not Salvation by Anna Quindlen Analysis Essay

In the editorial, “Why Stuff is Not Salvation,” Anna Quindlen portrays the world for what it has become, in the sense of spending too much money on overcompensation towards unnecessary items. She mentions the excess in product consumption and how harmful it has become. Stuff is not salvation, according to Quindlen, because of the utter desire for more belongings just because individuals can. Materialism is mentioned as if it was a curse to society, harming society and even the world as a whole. This topic applies to the overall tone of helplessness and the theme of the author’s representation of rhetorical devices presents a clear portrayal of her exact thoughts and feelings and even offers solutions to the world’s never-ending cycle that must break soon. 

From the beginning, her ideology and beliefs are firm and unnoticeably relevant. Her instant use of an example where consumption physically harms an innocent individual represents her usage of pathos, which is present throughout the entirety of her editorial. Pathos is a literary technique that inflicts emotions to further the statement being made. Quindlen’s editorial specifically uses pathos to evoke these emotions in order to prove here point in a clear manner. A particular example of her usage of this rhetorical device is demonstrated in the line, “For the first time this month, the number of people on food stamps will exceed the 30 million mark”(Quindlen1), which expresses her strong emotions for the way society social statuses are unbalanced. On one side of the social structure of America, there are people with excessive amounts of money, then on the other end are the homeless and people with absolutely nothing. By the author using pathos, this ideology can be inferred and sympathized with. Her compassionate qualities resonate with her targeted audience, influencing them to feel pity about this subject, opening their eyes to the events they may not be particularly aware of.

On the topic of expressing immense emotions, her next tactic presented through her editorial is her frequent use of sarcasm. Quindlen is very expressive in her writing, not shy of being straightforward and precise. Her sarcastic approach exemplifies the editorials tone and purpose of leading to change. She states a personal anecdote, “By contrast, my father will be happy to tell you about the excitement of getting an orange in his stocking during the Depression. The depression before this one” (Quindlen1), revealing her passionate approach of how times are rapidly changing for the worse. Her attitude in this quote demonstrates her annoyance with the greed and outrageous desires of humanity expecting extravagant things even though they do not deserve them. Times are similar to her dad's childhood, which was during the Great Depression, which speaks volumes about the current situation of the world. She also sarcastically voices that a depression is currently taking place, revealing that the current financial situation could spiral out of control leading to people loosing everything.

Moreover, the author's ability to engage and provide vast research to back up her opinions creates reliability and credibility. A common rhetorical technique used to captivate the audience is her display of rhetorical questions to open the minds of others and to get them to think rationally. This allows her to get into the minds of others and lead them into thinking and agreeing with her points being made. One example of her utilization of this device is present when she asserts, “Here I go, stating the obvious: stuff does not bring salvation. But if its so obvious, how come for so long people have not realized it?” (Quindlen2), presenting the prevalent theme and purpose of the editorial. She uses questions to hook and control the thoughts of those reading her editorial, and gives them a minute to grasp the concept she's reaching for. This technique is relevant to persuading and encouraging deep thinking about the tough questions asked, which is the exact reason she includes them. 

Overall, Quindlen is an accomplished writer who uses rhetorical devices to further her ideology present within the editorial. She uses items such as pathos, sarcasm as well as rhetorical questions to expand her writing skills and to present a clear outline of her principles. The theme of corruption starting with consumption can be found within each of these devices, allowing her editorial to be organized in a theological manner. She is passionate about societies atrocious spending habits and suggests immediate change. The world will not change if the people inside refuse to first.