Scott Sanders uses various literary techniques and skillfully manipulates his vocabulary to produce the necessary conciliatory tone across his essay “Under the Influence.” Analogies and tropes are some of the most frequently utilized literary devices in “Under the Influence,” although the book contains numerous other literary devices. Sanders’ syntax plays a significant role in how effectively he transmits his intended tone in this line (Sanders). Sanders is quite skilled at using words to convey his father’s dread, anguish, and compassion.
By describing how his father’s alcoholism affected him and continues to impact him today, Sanders uses pathos to further his point. “He would not hide the green bottles in his tool box, would not sneak off to the barn with a lump under his coat, would not fall asleep in the sun, would not roar and fume, would not drink himself to death, if only I were perfect,” the author writes of his feelings as a young child. Sanders now understands that is untrue the idea that if he were flawless, his father wouldn’t consume alcohol. He is aware that his father was afflicted with an illness, but the emotions he had as a youngster are still present in him.
The media’s portrayal and perception of intoxicated persons is one crucial topic Sanders touches on. He claims it is “all wonderful fun” when a drunk individual gets on sight during a film (Sanders). However, if you see a few people in the crowd smiling and suddenly grimace when the drunk lurches onto the stage, don’t be shocked; these people are the progeny of alcoholics. This does an excellent job of illustrating how drinking affects both the alcoholic and their family (Sanders). The comment offers the audience a brief glimpse into Sanders’s life and the life of an alcoholic child.
Works Cited
Sanders, Scott Russell. “Harper’s Magazine.” Under the Influence, 1989, pp. 68–75.