With the aid of imagery, Alcott develops her argument concerning human compassion during wartime. In the passage, Alcott states, “ ...his limbs grew cold, his face damp, his lips white, and again he tore the covering off his breast ...” (paragraph 10). In this sentence, Alcott illustrates the critical condition of the patient. She provides the readers with an illustration informing them that his death is imminent by describing his face and lips. In addition, Alcott writes, “ John sat with his bent head, hands folded on his knee, and no outward sign of suffering, till, looking nearer, I saw great tears roll down..” (paragraph 5). Alcott is showing the readers …show more content…
In the text, it states, “...needed men like John, earnest, brave, and faithful; fighting for liberty and justice with both heart and hand” (paragraph 4). Alcott appeals to the emotion of the readers by characterizing John as someone who is worthy to be labeled as honorable and brave. She is hinting towards the readers that more men like John are needed in this world. Also, Alcott wrote, “...the presence of human sympathy, perhaps, had lightened that hard hour” (paragraph 13). Alcott is engaging to the reader's emotional state because, in the moment of losing someone, the only thing that helps make the situation bearable is the compassion. The support and sympathy of friends and family is needed. Alcott develops her argument concerning human compassion by applying