A Rhetorical Analysis of James Ladsen and Joseph Epstein Essay

A Rhetorical Analysis of James Ladsen and Joseph Epstein - Essay Example The essay "A Rhetorical Analysis of James Ladsen and Joseph Epstein" talks about the hubris that can be defined as tempting to face, or otherwise thumbing one’s nose at that which is already predetermined. This ancient Greek term for insolence and arrogance to fate plays a powerful role with respect to the way how current culture is defined and practiced. Essentially, the culture that exists within the United States, and to a large part around the globe as a result of globalization, can be understood as one that places a fundamental level of importance on maintaining youth and vitality; even at ages in which these are all but an unrealistic hope. Accordingly, the following analysis will seek to engage the reader with a rhetorical response to Ladsen’s â€Å"The Natural Order† as it relates to the idea of hubris. Likewise, this rhetorical response will be compared and contrasted with Joseph Epstein’s essay â€Å"Perpetual Adolescence†. Through such a level of analysis, it is the hope of this author that the reader will come to gain a more valuable and nuanced interpretation of why our current culture is so fixated on the idea of perpetual youthfulness; and whether or not this is a positive or negative attribute. Firstly, in terms of Ladsen’s story, entitled â€Å"The Natural Order†, the author represents the internal and external dialogue that is taking place between a middle-aged married man and one of his longtime best friends. The middle-aged married man is indicative of what might be termed as a â€Å"conservative†.