Intention

Michael Lee Cohen’s intention with the interview “Adam” is to portray Adam and give readers a sense of his view on the American dream. To achieve this, he lets Adam explain in his own words what the American Dream means to him. Therefore, Adam discusses the idea of material wealth, which is his goal. To help readers better understand Adam, Cohen also includes in the interview Adam’s opinions on marriage and the justice system in America. 

Present Adam's perspective on the American Dream

Michael Lee Cohen uses ethos when he speaks about his own impression of Adam, which suggests that Adam appears to be a trustworthy and capable banker, even though he is young (p. 136, ll. 1-5).

Cohen includes details about Adam’s upbringing, his relationship with his father, and his education. To help readers understand why Adam chose banking over science– although he had a passion for chemistry – Cohen includes quotes from Adam in which he explains what motivated him to make this change (p. 136, ll. 19-30, p. 137, ll. 1-2). 

To show Adam’s perspective on the American Dream, Cohen includes a long quote by Adam in which he explains what he aims ...