The tale of two pronouns, I and We.

By: TurnVirginiaBlue
Published On: 6/10/2006 5:30:38 PM

I can across this article in the Virginian Pilot.  They have published essays written by the candidates on why you should vote for them.

I was reading and noticed something:

Miller uses the Pronoun "I":  21 times.

Webb uses the Pronoun "I":  12 times.

Miller uses the pronoun "We":  6 times.

Webb uses the pronoun "We":  11 times.
I'm the last person to sit down with a red pen and count pronouns.  But, it dawned on me that this campaign really is about "I" and "We".

Webb wants to represent the people and it shows in his writing style and his thinking, whereas Miller seemingly wants this as some sort of award for being a "loyal Democrat". 

While Webb's essay is extremely well written as one would expect from such an exceptional author, I cannot attribute the use of these pronouns to writing technique.  I believe it's the thinking that stood out.  One is for us and the other is for himself.

Comments



Very nice (Arturo - 6/10/2006 7:32:57 PM)
Nice analysis.  When I read both essays, I felt far removed from Miller, like I don't belong in his world.  Which is probably true.  Reading Webb's essay, he talks about us, the "little guy" he wants to represent.