Lord Chesterfield

Clearly, everyone knows no one is perfect, but it’s just plain obvious when a father’s selfish tendencies come before his son. Usually, parents want to see their children succeed, but they don’t always share the same reasoning. In Lord Chesterfield’s case he obviously wants to see his son succeed, but that is not his only concern. In a letter written by Lord Chesterfield addressed to his son, it is obvious that Chesterfield is looking out for himself by telling his son how to act. He wants his son to be the best, but also he does not want to soil his good name. Lord Chesterfield clearly lays out his expectations for his son. Hard work, obedience, reputation and above all, success are what Chesterfield wants from his son. Within the subtle reminders, one can clearly see Chesterfield’s own morals and values; he leaves no doubt in his son’s mind that he wants him to be better than everyone else in order to maintain his reputation.   Chesterfield immediately starts the letter with a sweet and caring tone towards his son. He tries to be gentle and encouraging in order to keep his son reading the letter. He claims to take so much time writing to his son and that he “doubts whether it is to any purpose”. He’s trying to say he cares so much, but is not sure if it means anything to his son because he is so brilliant that he might not even need advice. It also forces a little guilt upon the son since he probably didn’t want to read the letter in the first place.  He says he’s trying not to “dictate as a parent”, but to “advise as a friend”.  Once again, he does this to keep his son in good spirits and reading the letter. He asks his son to “let my experience supply your want”. He does this is order to persuade him that he is trying to help him out. That he knows many things and will use all of his knowledge to keep his son on the right track. The first paragraph of the letter is also riddled with a multitude of understatements. Chesterfield, if taken literally, spends the...