The Irony In Words In President Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” he states, “The world will little note nor long remember, what we say here but it can never forget what they [the brave soldiers] did here”(Lincoln, 378). The irony in this, is that those words happen to be some of the most famous to date. This quote is clear in what he wants to say but in basic terms Lincoln is saying that his words will not last forever, but that the actions of the soldiers will prevail. In Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech, he speaks the opposite. Dr. King starts off by stating that his speech “will go down as one of the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation” (King, 383).
He is also trying to show that he has true concern for the people, instead of simply having his own personal agenda of becoming president. The main purpose in his address is to get everyone motivated and participating in the society. His speech starts with an antithesis that says symbolizing the end as well as the beginning. This statement isn’t false, because at the end of every adventure there is another one waiting. His sentence tries to tell America that they have a new journey to embark upon.
Wood also analyzes Obama’s use of references in his election night speech. He discusses how “Behind his speech were the ghosts of Lincoln’s First Inaugural” (610) as well as “the explicit reference to King’s famous phrase about how ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice’” (611). Both discussions of Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. are included to show how Obama believed his election to be a turning point in history as Lincoln and King’s speeches were a turning point in their time period as well. It was imperative for Safire and Wood to discuss the allusions to others’ speeches in both of their analysis as without the references to others’ speeches both Lincoln and Obama’s speeches would not have had the impact and power that they did. Through the course
The future of America is a bit foggy to some, but to others it is clear that our country will come back and once again be a dominant nation. I believe that my generation will be the one to find a cure for those diseases that incurable at this time. As we grow, more and more teens and even adults are contracting diseases that they can’t get rid of. I feel that my generation has the brains and the will power to create this cure. This not only includes STDs, but also cancer and other incurable
John F. Kennedy’s purpose to his inauguration is to inspire the citizens of the United States, and to persuade his audience to merely participate in transferring his several goals into reality. It is clearly stated in Kennedy’s inauguration speech that help will be needed by the world if these goals will ever be achieved. In the act of persuading his audience Kennedy uses many rhetoric strategies to achieve the support from his audience that he is hoping for. In my analysis I can assert that Kennedy establishes his purpose in a persuasive way through his distinctive syntax and diction. Kennedy uses many complex formations of syntax and diction to persuade his audience.
The repetition of the phrase: "One hundred years later" following mention of Lincoln's emancipation proclamation, and the repetition in the form of anaphora "I Have a Dream", proves powerful as it reminds the reader that "the negro still is not free", that they are still fighting for justice. Lastly, Kings use of pathos in: "I Have a dream, that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character". This reminds the reader that we are all human, that even King wants the best for his children in life; enhancing the 'empowering' quality of his speech. Similarly, Silvey creates an emotional scene with prevailing apprehensive tone conveyed when Jasper is in despair: "And that's why I need your help. Because you're smart, and you're different to the others" coupled with: "They reckon I'm half an animal with half a vote."
Danny Reiter English 101 Michelle Bush March 16, 2012 America has encountered many hardships throughout history, but the reason our country has triumphed and moved forward is because someone has been there to unite us with words of promise. Out of the many famous historical speeches, the two significant speeches that stand out are Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and Barack Obama’s Victory Speech. Due to the significance of these particular speeches, William Safire in his “A Spirit Reborn,” and James Wood in his “Victory Speech,” analyze these works and write essays about their effects. Both writers note the moving aspects of these speeches that make them so powerful. Arguably, Safire and Wood’s essays are more different
One can see why Michael J. Petrilli thinks as he does because President Obama inspires all to take personal responsibility for one’s own education and that in doing so success is guaranteed. You only get out of it what you put into it. This idea is supported by my own experience. For example, I know a lot of teachers who want to see NCLB go away. I think if those in charge would listen to the teachers more often our educational system would improve tremendously.
“In America, we change things that need to be changed. Each generation makes its contribution to our greatness. The work that is ours to do is plainly before us. We don’t need to search for it.” McCain is talking about the work put towards change by every generation and how it is a fundamental part of the success for future
President Obama’s speech, “A More Perfect Union,” pulls in the reader or listener because it is full of emotion and history of independence and culture. The themes that Obama addresses in his speech are centered on history: the history of American independence, personal growth, black culture, and his political campaign. Obama begins and ends his speech by quoting the Declaration of Independence. He suggests that the document was “signed but ultimately not finished (699) to lead into his goals for his presidency. He addresses the current issues that the United States is facing, such as poor health care, awful education, and a growing war and terrorist threat (700).