“Confessions of an Ex-Mormon” by
Walter Kirn is an essay that ran In “The New Republic”, a liberal political
magazine that has been running since 1914. The essay informs the reader of the
story of Walter, from his childhood to his current affairs and how Mormonism has
affected his life. Kirn uses pathos almost exclusively. Though for something
like an argument, this would be ineffective, however, in this specific case, it
makes for a very powerful essay. The spiritual nature and personal experience of
the essay is very captivating and works in Kirn’s favor. By utilizing different
facets of how has religion has affected him, Kirn can connect to his audience
on multiple levels as well. For example, his struggles with stereotypes,
self-pride, questioning of religion are all very common issues in today’s
society.
However,
the essay may be controversial. Despite my personal positive reaction to Kirn’s
piece, it may not connect to all audiences. I think the ideal audience for this
essay would have to be someone who is either agnostic, or skeptical of their religion.
A zealot, or an atheist may disregard the essay as either a non-believer
looking for an answer he’s not putting his whole heart into, or an ignorant person
who refuses the leave the edges of spiritual desires and logical reasoning, respectively.
Based on the ending of the essay, where Kirn states that despite the rejection
of his religion, his poor religious habits, his drug addiction, and his shell
of anti-Mormonism, he still desires the burning in his stomach that symbolizes
his faith. I have seriously contemplated religion in my life and what to
believe in spiritually, but in the end
this essay’s almost exclusive use of pathos has no grounding, nor reasoning.
Only those who can truly empathize, rather than simply sympathize with Kirn can
truly appreciate this essay.
Though it’s not poorly written, the
audience feels very specific so I would imagine this piece being controversial.
You either feel the passion or you don’t.
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