In the article "Videogames, Avatars, and Identity" by Jack Waggoner (2009) the author utilizes the rhetorical device ethos. This rhetorical device is employed throughout the text to reassure the audience of any doubts they had about the factual claims stated in the passage. Waggoner (2009) also incorporates multiple individuals that are educated on this topic. For example, in the beginning of the article, the author uses two different quotes from Marvin Minsky and Janet Murray; Minsky is an MIT scientist and Murray is a technology theorist. These sources help emphasize the fact that the article is authentic and are defended by credible people. The article is mainly about gamers, their virtual identities and the relationship between them. In order to effectively speak about the topic, Waggoner applies this device to gain respect for himself and the sources that he encompassed within the text. …show more content…
A Thursday night. I should be asleep by now, but I'm not…I close my eyes trying to drift down into sleep but it's no use: my mind fills with images of giant geckos…Frantically, I struggle to clear my head. Relax" (Waggoner, 2009, p.487). With this statement, the author is instilling trust into the audience. Jack Waggoner (2009) is emphasizing that he can relate to the individuals among the readers that are addicted gamers such as himself. By beginning the article with this quote, Waggoner (2009) is utilizing the rhetorical device ethos. Employing ethos throughout "Videogames, Avatars, and Identity" (2009) aids the author by establishing his authority and knowledge on his future claims within the