Planting of Viewpoint to the Audience

In the article "Appeals to Time", Killingsworth explains that "Authors occasionally reverse the idea that the new is superior to the old white still retaining some of the characteristic rhetoric of modern times" (p.41). That is, the occurrences are written as if these things happen right now, even though these events happened in the past.

I think the reason why an author uses this method in his work is that it can plant the important viewpoint to the audience. If the events happened in the past, it is possible that the audience might consider that they do not need to care too much.

For instance, Abigail Adams writes that "When I consider these things and the prejudieces of people in favor of Ancient customs and Regulations, I feel anxious for the fate of our Monarchy or Democracy or what ever is to take place"(p.317) in her letters "Remember the Ladies". Even though she felt anxious in the past before she wrote the letter, the audience can consider her letters that she has been still feeling even now.