Intention

Introduction

J.D. Vance’s introduction to his book Hillbilly Elegy. A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis explores issues related to the difficulties of achieving the American Dream of upward mobility for the white working class. His message is that the causes of the lack of mobility are more complex than external economic factors. Culture, religion, and individual action or inaction also influence this situation.

The open intention of the writer is to inform readers about the book’s contents and to persuade readers to continue reading. However, the text also shows other intentions in connection with the topic, which include informing readers about factors affecting upward mobility, and responding to possible criticisms of his approach.

Persuade readers to read the rest of the book

The general intention behind most book introductions is to persuade readers that it is worth reading the rest of the book, and to inform them about the book’s overall content.

To achieve this intention, J.D. Vance uses ethos and pathos and a series of other language devices. When talking about himself and his book, Vance uses irony to construct ethos that presents him as educated yet modest and approachable: “…I’m thirty-one years old, and I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve accomplished nothing great in my life, certainly nothing that would justify a complete stranger paying money to read about it.” (ll. 2-4) In this way, he shows readers that the book might be both interesting and entertaining.

At the same time, Vance persuaded r...