A Rhetorical Analysis of Marrying Absurd

Purpose
Joan Didion writes “Marrying Absurd” to expose the absurd and dysfunctional nature of marriage in Las Vegas, Nevada. Didion believes the people of the city have made marriage more of a money-making scheme, thus taking away the sacredness of marriage. She writes “Marrying Absurd” primarily as an exposition narrative because she wants to explain and inform readers that Las Vegas marriages are a scam.

Audience
Didion writes “Marrying Absurd” to advise young people, especially girls, against marrying young or in Las Vegas. She writes “Marrying Absurd” as a cautionary tale to people in or around their 20s-30s who are at the age the American social clock deems the appropriate time to elope.

Rhetorical Strategies
She uses the rhetorical strategy of description in “Marrying Absurd”: “rattlesnake,” “bizarre,” “venality,” “mobsters,” and “call girls.” These descriptive words create a vivid picture of the Las Vegas wedding scene, highlighting the chaotic and often superficial nature of the ceremonies. This imagery serves to emphasize how the environment diminishes the significance of marriage, transforming it into a spectacle rather than a solemn commitment.

She uses the rhetorical strategy of pathos in “Marrying Absurd”: “Mr. Brennan said later of his feat. ‘I could’ve married them en mass, but they’re people, not cattle. People expect more when they get married.’” This quote appeals to the readers’ emotions, as it underscores the humanity often lost in the hustle of Las Vegas weddings. Didion’s choice to include such poignant reflections invites readers to empathize with the couples, prompting them to consider the deeper implications of their decisions.

Furthermore, Didion’s use of irony is particularly effective. By contrasting the glitzy, fast-paced world of Las Vegas with the serious nature of marriage, she critiques the commodification of love and commitment. The weddings, often rushed and performed in front of neon lights, reflect a culture that prioritizes instant gratification over meaningful relationships. This irony is central to Didion’s argument, highlighting the absurdity of treating marriage as just another entertainment option.

Overall, Didion's “Marrying Absurd” offers a compelling critique of the nature of marriage in Las Vegas. Through her purposeful observations and rhetorical strategies, she encourages readers to reflect on the values associated with marriage in contemporary society, reminding them of the significance of genuine commitment.