1)

Good after, my name is Ngan and today I will be presenting my analyses on an Australian editorial
subject to legalizing Euthanasia in Victoria.

2)

This is my chosen article. It is written by Rick Morton.

The author has published an editorial from Sydney to appeal for the reform of Euthanasia legislation
in Victoria. Supported by the Victorian Parliamentary Report, Rick claims Euthanasia should be legal
for the terminally-ill.

The author has suggested that euthanasia is a genuine option guaranteed to provide an ultimate
pain-free treatment for whom suffering in their final days of time. Therefore, the editorial is
intended for view by the Federal Government and Victorian residents who are directly suffering
from incurable diseases or had witnessed someone they once loved passed away in agony.

The author emphasized many conditions that must be met in order to perform euthanasia and these
are evidence to persuade readers that the chance of Euthanasia being abused and overused are
implausible. This sets a contentious and informative tone.

3)

• The legislation has passed the Parliament of Victoria but will not take effect until 2019.

• It was legal in Northern Territory between 1995-1996.

• The legislation has been withdrawn after a doctor in the Northern Territory repeatedly
euthanize four patients and the practice was deemed unsafe.

4)

• Recent attempt to assist 70 years old wife to commit suicide by a man living in Melbourne
named Victor Rjin.

• He was sentenced three years in jail on 23th May 2017.

• Prompted calls to reform Euthanasia legislation.

5)

Here is a picture of Judy Dent. Her husband, Bob were the first person to die after
Euthanasia was legalized in Northern Territory in 1996. The picture emphasizes how
euthanasia relieved Judy from witnessing her late husband suffer from cancer, because you
can observe that Judy is smiling. The dominant colour is green. It represents balance and
harmony and in this case, gives the connotation of peace of death. The photo is used to
trigger sympathy as well as to associate euthanasia with a positive meaning.
6)
Generalization: The contention of the article is to introduce euthanasia as the opportunity
to the terminally ill by emphasizing its role in preserving the dignity of the patients who will
never recover from their conditions.
This position the reader to believe that all terminally-ill patients will eventually pass away,
and instead of fighting against it, euthanasia is the ultimate way to ease pain and suffer.
Many young and aspiring Victorian will not want euthanasia because they believe fighting
the natural way is more meaningful.
But the elderly who had witnessed many people passed away will find euthanasia to be a
comforting solution.
The tone here is very sympathetic.

7)
Emotive language, attack and connotation: Rick Morton uses emotive language and
connotation to highlight Euthanasia as the ultimate treatment for “adults with decision
making capacity, suffering from a serious and incurable condition.” The connotation “adults
with decision making capacity,” implies those who refuse to vote yes for Euthanasia as
unintelligent or lack the ability to think and decide independently. The connotation and
attacking language is likely to provoke young Victorians with unclear vision of euthanasia. .

Repetition, appeal to fears and hyperbole: Rick Morton constantly repeats about the fate
of patients “experiencing enduring and unbearable suffering”. The repetitions is used in
conjunction with hyperbole, where the worst case-scenario plays on readers’ fears. The
fears in this case are ultimately death in agony. Rick is aiming to push the readers into a
state of distress and force them to see Euthanasia as the only consolation.
The tone is very harsh and frightening.

Evidence, Reason and logic: Here Rick states that a primary and independent secondary
doctor’s approval is mandatory, and this provides a sense of security and reliability. This is
used intended to develop trust and assurance.

8)
Criticism and assumption: Rick deliberately mention Premier Daniel Andrews who has not come out
in favor of reforming euthanasia to create pressure on the side of the law makers, who is also one of
the intended audience. This makes the audience feels that the argument of the author is more valid
and reliable. The tone has become humorous and harsh.
9)

In conclusion, overall Rick has only two main argument that he uses to persuade the reader. He
does not quote real life miracle of euthanasia. The editorial is informative and contentious and
sympathetic.