Self-motivation has a different meaning to everyone. Literally, the definition of self-motivation is: motivated to do or achieve something because of one’s own enthusiasm or interest, without needing pressure from others. In the novel The Color of Water, written by James McBride, he delineates self-motivation as, “The constant learning and yearning for knowledge…” (pg. 270) James McBride’s view on self-motivation is emphasized through his use of rhetorical terms such as: tone, parenthetical, point of view, and many other rhetorical terms. The attitude of a writer toward the subject or audience is helpful in identifying said writer’s views. In this case, views on self-motivation are being identified. James McBride’s tone in The Color of Water can be described as matter-of-fact. As James describes things his mother, Ruth, does in her retired years he states, “But that’s not enough to keep her busy.” (pg. …show more content…
In The Color of Water, as James McBride writes about his mother and her self-motivation, he establishes ethos. James McBride says, “She’s always been out of control, my mother, always had the unnerving habit of taking the ship into the air to do loops…” (pg. 271) This quote establishes ethos with two words, “my mother.” With James illuminating that he has extended knowledge on the topic of his mother’s self-motivation, he was able to give his writing merit to the reader, whomever that may be. Furthermore, this quote shows continued evidence of James’ views on self-motivation. Although, James referred to his mother as, “out of control” he continues with “her dances with fire always fun to watch.” (pg. 271) This shows that although James may have criticism towards his mothers internal choices, he also appreciates her self-motivation and its role. Views on self-motivation may vary from person to person, but it is clear that James McBride’s use of ethos awards his [views] additional