Exclusion in "Props and the Man" by John L. Allen

In his essay, "Props and the Man", John L. Allen utilizes several literary devices. Through the use of these structural devices, Allen is able to severely limit the audience of his work. Allen accomplishes his goals through his use of his vocabulary and diction. The author uses advanced vocabulary and diction to focus his audience, excluding many readers in the process. Allen's vocabulary excludes many readers because of its complicated nature. Throughout his essay he …

…the theatre, they do not appreciate Allen's essay. These readers are excluded in favor of a more focused and specific audience through Allen's use of diction. By focusing his essay, Allen excludes some readers, but makes the essay more relevant and familiar to those included. Allen's skillful utilization of structural devices allows him to include some readers, while excluding others. Exclusion is used in this essay, but through it many readers are more thoroughly included.