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Katherine Ngo
8 April 2014
AP English Language and Composition
Mrs. Belmonte
In this sincere editorial, Evil An old-fashioned word becomes a new rallying cry by
Julia Keller compares and contrast the Americans usage of the word evil from the past to the
present day due to the 9/11 and Pentagon attack in order to define the word evil as a corruption
of the Americans state of mind and everyday lives.
Keller begins with comparing and contrasting the word evil with its former owner to its
current owner. As Keller states, It was our great-great grandparents word it is ours again
not just the presence of evil, the aftermath of which is visible in the ash-pit that is now the World
Trade Center or at the Pentagons wounded flank (1). Keller states this possession being our
great-great grandparents to being ours. She does this to show that the Americans are
suffering, yet again. To prove that evil is in our hands again, she describes the 9/11 attack
with the word ash pit. Also she describes the Pentagon attack as the wounded flank. This
allows the audience to have a mental image. This image portrays the hurt that is felt amongst the
Americans. It shows how traumatized they are and this is within their minds forever. It cant be
taken back and theyre going to have to live with this for the rest of their lives.
In addition, Keller lists the ways Americans would have typically used the word evil.
She incorporates allusions to provide an example. Keller states, Most of us, however, didnt use
the word evil except metaphorically such as the Harry Potter series and Harrys nemesis, the
irredeemably evil Lord Voldermort What use to be a symbolic notion has become instantly,
appallingly literal (2). Keller defines the way Americans once use evil, that being in a jokingly
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matter, now a horrifying reality that caused so much pain. She uses an allusion to define the
former way Americans used evil and uses it to show that this is no longer the way to use it. It
has taken away the joy and laughter of many Americans. That now, we use it the word evil in a
serious matter as of an outcome that took innocent lives. It takes away from their happiness that
they once obtained, that now they live a life where constant paranoia and hurt.
Lastly, Keller restates the reoccurrence of evil belonging to Americans again. evil
has been restored to the world, there to do battle with another ancient word: good (3). Keller
juxtaposes two words - that being good and evil. She does this to present the opposition. Due
to the fact that she repeats the word evil being dreadful, the only way to reduce it with is with
good. Therefore, she presents evil as a corrupting action that impaired the Americans mind.
They cant be as joyful as they use to. They have to be constantly aware of their own
surroundings.
Keller compares and contrasts the usage of how Americans once used evil to the
present and now the former way it is used belongs to the Americans. She incorporates the
possession of the word, evil, the way its been uses, and restates the occurrence of evil
belonging in the Americans hands.





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Source Citation
Keller, Julia. "`Evil': An Old-fashioned Word Becomes a New Rallying Cry." Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL). Chicago
Tribune, 19 Sept. 2001. Web. 10 Mar. 2014