Analyzing Rhetorical Style in Johnathan Miles' Work

Read the following excerpt from an essay by contemporary author Johnathan Miles. In this passage, Miles explores the nuanced relationship between memory and identity. Carefully analyze how Miles’ use of stylistic elements, such as syntax, diction, and figurative language, contributes to the effectiveness of his argument about how our personal histories shape who we are.

Excerpt:

“Memory is a mercurial creature, slipping through our fingers like sand. Each grain holds a story, a fraction of moments that we mold into the clay of our identities. We are sculptors of our past, yet no two hands shape it the same; our experiences twist and turn, much like the intricate knots of a fisherman’s net, tangling us into the complexities of what we choose to remember and forget.”

In your analysis, consider the impact of Miles’ writing style on the reader's understanding of the theme. Be sure to include specific examples from the text in your response.