The diction choice suggested in this poem that gives away that it is not a serious tone, is when the speaker sends a prayer to God, asking for personal issues to be fixated. The diction of the poem would be categorized as comical and or sarcastic. Throughout the joke the speaker, didn't seem as serious to be asking of a favor from God as your general follower or believer of his gossip. For example in the poem when the speaker referred to him being a sinner, and he'll be returning back to evening service if he has the time. This is an example of sarcasm because he's not actually sincere about the proposal he is making but instead, stating anything that he believes sounds right for the moment.
2. Comment on Betjeman's use of a woman speaker as a rhetorical device
Betjeman using a woman speaker helped create a emotional connection to there audience. The speaker of the seem to be very selfish and sarcastic about numerous, topics mentioned into the poem, and incorporating a woman would take away from that and he could be view as a protector and less self absorbed .
3. What is the most rhetorically effective argument Hardin has against helping those in need? What makes it effective?
4. Hardin relies mainly on the logic of his arguments, but he also uses strong connotative language. How do expressions such as "toothless tiger" (¶3), "conscience-stricken people" (¶9), and "spread of cancer" (¶31) affect the reader?
I believe the effect of these two statements mentioned in the question above, will have the readers view it a a negative condentation. A reader might view this statements to be rude, and harsh.
