Rhetoric:
The diction used by David McCullough in 1776 is perpetual throughout the chapters and creates an mood of the war for American Independence. McCullough's diction is a key factor in setting the mood of the war for independence. McCullough begins a chapter setting the stage with a "terrible storm" that is "as viciouis as any in living memory" which automatically gives the reader a negative connotation about what will be following later in the chapter. When Nathaniel Greene discusses New York with Washington, he suggests "abandoning" New York. When McCullough chose the word "abandoning he gave the feeling of a sense of failure and disappointment towards the city of New York. In using the negative diction the author foreshadows the coming events and leaves the reading wondering what will be coming next after the, "unleashed fury from the elements." Even though 1776 is written through a neatral point of view quotes and text is still prevelent favoring the Americans and the British throughout the book. McCullough appeals to the reader's emotional ties to the Americans when describing the "victorious and gallant" American soldiers. "Victorious and Gallant" both give off positive and powering connotations to the reader which appeals to the Americans sense of liberty and the British sense of failure.