To the Ages or the Angels?

Angels and Ages, by Adam Gopnik.  Passage analyzed: Section 1 of Chapter 1, pages 26-29

     It seems natural that a book rhetorically analyzing the genius of Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin should also contain many deliberate rhetorical and stylistic decisions.  Adam Gopnik, writer for The New Yorker since 1986, employs many notable rhetorical techniques in his novel Angels and Ages while delving into some of the strange coincidences and parallels surrounding Lincoln and Darwin.  The book begins on February 12, 1809 with the births of Lincoln and Darwin.  The story proceeds to trace each man’s upbringing, and how their different backgrounds allowed each man to impact the world in a different field, but in remarkably similar ways.  Gopnik has a distinctive writing style and approach, which became evident in the first section of chapter one.

     Contrary to the way most books introduce new chapters, Gopnik begins the first chapter (and subsequent chapters) of the book with a nineteenth century poster style list of the chapter’s title and main points, and a short phrase explaining them.  This introduction helps to graphically set the scene in a way that words fail to do, because it evokes images and feelings of nineteenth century America.  In addition, it acts as a neat story map for the audience, any teen or adult interested in reading about the parallels between Lincoln and Darwin.  The story begins with an anecdote of Lincoln’s deathbed scene, where his secretary of war Stanton reputedly said of Lincoln “Now he belongs to the ages.”  Gopnik then relates the same story to the audience, changing Stanton’s words to a different account of what he said: “Now he belongs to the angels.”  Repeating this scene in two different ways for the reader helps to firmly establish in their minds the conflict that the book’s following chapters will discuss between religion, time, and evolution.  Gopnik’s focus on such a small aspect of the scene also reinforces for the reader the importance of small details, and how slight variations of letters can completely alter meaning.  The narrative voice of this section is first person, using the words “us” and “we.”  This creates an inclusive tone and appeals to the audience by inviting them in and allowing them to experience Gopnik’s revelations as he does.

     Thus far, I feel that Gopnik has fulfilled his purpose of capturing the reader’s interest and setting up the story’s main conflict.  I am intrigued to see how he will continue to add to his discussion, especially when he introduces Darwin into the story.