In the second paragraph, Edwards begins three clauses with "there is," a technique known as anaphora. Why does he use this repetitive structure in...

The
Reverendmakes use of , the repetition of the first part of his sentences or phrases, in order to
place emphasis on the ideas that he wishes to convey. Anaphora is also a rhetorical tool used in
many Bible verses; thus, this device seems appropriate to Edwards's sermon and lends his words a
commanding Biblical tone, in addition to the stress given his ideas.

Just as
the Reverend Edwards uses "there is" repetitively to frighten his listeners with the
"dreadful pit" and the "wrath of God" where "there is nothing between
[them] and hell," in the paragraph that begins with "O sinner!" Edwards asks his
audience to think about the spiritual danger in which they exist. He heightens the effect of his
sermon when he again uses anaphora as he repeats the word nothing several
times in order to explain to his...