Mona Simpson : A Sister's Eulogy for Steve Jobs

Morgan Burton September 20,2013

Mona Simpson: A Sister’s Eulogy for Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs  is the original co-founder of Apple and is one the worlds best known entrepreneurs. Steve Jobs was a completely unique individual who helped change the impact of society.  Not only did he advance the developments of computers, but also cell phones , and music devices.  He was an astonishing human being with outstanding creative talents. In the eulogy written by Steve Job’s sister Mona Simpson she writes about her brothers accomplishments, how great of a father and husband he was, and the most memorable times as a family. In this article Mona Simpson used the rhetorical devices , flashback, and diction for the reader to get a better understanding of the wonderful life her brother lived, and how he will be missed but never forgotten.  

The first rhetorical device Mona Simpson used in her eulogy was flashback. Despite the fact that Mona and Steve weren’t united as brother and sister until she 25 years old, it didn't seem to fracture their relationship, but simply help them develop a stronger one.  For the duration of the article she discussed several memorable events from Steve Jobs life. From the moment she was first introduced to him at her job as a young journalism, to the very last months of his life. She seem to specifically capture any incident  and conversation taken place as if her reader was there experiencing it with her. An example of flashback used in this article was witnessing Steve endure so much pain after having a liver transplant. Every other day after his surgery Steve would push himself down the hall way each time and count his step, to gain back his strength and capability of walking again. Though Steve was diagnosed with a fatal illness, it didn't let him lose confidence or hope but instead think positive and fight for survival. This was an important flashback mentioned in the article because, in Mona's eyes no matter what the situation might have been her brother was always a soldier and could overcome any obstacles thrown their way.

Diction was the next essential rhetorical device applied in this article. Mona Simpson utilized diction by conveying to the audience,the purpose of writing by connecting with them by her choice of words. Mona Simpson wanted the reader to feel comfortable, and to gain a sense of love and appreciation for Steve. She grabbed the readers attention, by incorporating such gracefulness, emotional turmoil and sarcasm. In contempt of the fact that Steve Jobs is physically no longer with us his success, hard work, wonderful father and husband will be everlastingly cherished and appreciated. Mona's choice of words and descriptive events made the reader feels as though they were apart of the story and were reliving each incident again as well.

Exigency was established in the article Mona Simpson : A Sister’s Eulogy for Steve Jobs by speaking about her brothers life. Though he is deceased and no longer with us hi s legacy and success will forever live on. Steve Job transformed the way we utilized and view technology. His creative talents help develop the more advance technology such as the iPhone, iPods  Mac computers and tablets. Despite the unfortunate circumstances that Steve Jobs has passed away, it's men like him we all grateful for and wonder what life would be like without his brilliant ideas that impacted our every lives. Even though he might have spent his last couple of months suffering and in pain. Alternately he lived his life working hard and doing what he loved, and sharing his success with the people he holds dear to his heart.