Intention

Encourage readers to empathise with the situation of immigrants

To encourage readers to empathise with the situation of illegal immigrants, the text “Coming to America, to clean” conveys the first-person account of the experiences of Antonia, an illegal immigrant in the US. At the same time, this will also encourage readers not to blame Mexicans for being illegal immigrants in the US.

To inspire empathy and understanding, the text is filed with pathos, appealing to different emotions. For example, understanding the fear and adrenaline involved in crossing the border illegally, readers will be more likely to relate to Antonia and her story: “On the night we were to go, I was terrified. […]I was nervous and scared, and couldn't eat a thing.” (p. 23, ll. 4-8); “I felt like I'd jumped off a bridge and was washing down the river.” (p. 34, ll. 52-54)

Logos also helps the writer achieve her intention. From Antonia’s account, we realise that for many people like her the only chance at a better life is crossing the border: “But how wa...