Margaret Thatcher's Eulogy to Ronald Reagan

Emotional Resonance in Thatcher's Eulogy

Margaret Thatcher, the Prime Minister of Great Britain, expresses great sorrow in her eulogy to former president, Ronald Reagan. Thatcher predominately uses pathos rhetoric to accomplish Reagan successful presidency especially in a time of great trials in America during the Cold War. In times of difficulty Reagan's "easy jokes gave reassurance to an anxious world.” The terror and unease in America juxtaposed with lighthearted humor provides for Reagan's ableness to keep the public together and unified. The tone is deeply appreciate it toward the efforts and actions taken that directs the audience to remember the overseeing “firm principles… he acted upon decisively.” Thatcher utilizes the sensitive era to exemplify the firm leadership America looked up to.

Imagery of Understanding and Knowledge

Furthermore, Thatcher uses imagery to convey Reagan’s selfless heart and omniscience. Even during Soviet pressures, Reagan still continued to see "many sides of truth" yet “did not shrink" under the "weight of these pressures." The description of the former president expresses a man who is knowledgeable and understanding of the current situation. The intended effect of the imagery is appropriate in how it stresses the importance of Reagan’s role in the time of his presidency. The word choice used illustrates the foreign, political struggle that the audience can sympathize with.

Metaphorical Representation of Leadership

Moreover, Thatcher brings into play the rhetorical device of metaphor in order to express Reagan’s diligent character and successful term as president. Regan aimed to “mend America’s wounded spirit, restore the strength of the free world, and to free the slaves of communism.” At the peak of Cold War, America was physically and mentally challenged in their unity and strength standing against the unforgivable Soviet Union. These metaphors expresses to readers how despite the riskiness and difficulty that the challenges carried, Reagan persevered in pursuit of healing, unifying, and freeing America from the heavy burdens they carried through the war. Likewise, the use of this rhetorical device also exemplifies to readers that with such a daunting challenge a hand, his unceasing fight with goals of restoration for was ultimately for the people of America. This specific example reflects a tone of ardency that fills the text with passion and optimism, allowing readers to also comprehend Reagan’s dedication as president.

Ethos Appeal: Building Confidence

Through the use of ethos appeal, Thatcher continues to build her argument of Reagan’s presidency as successful. The demanding tasks as president was burdensome, but as “Arnold Bennett once called ‘the great cause of cheering us all up’”, Reagan’s essential cause was to lift spirits. The dreary Cold war would have stripped the people of their optimism and hope, day after day. Yet, the ethos appeal of Arnold Bennett's high profile as well as his support and belief in Reagan’s cause is used to overcome the discouragement of the American citizen of 2004 to also believe in the president. The promising, confident political work of Reagan and his spirited character swayed the dying hearts of the citizens. Ultimately, despite the despondent times of the Cold War and the waning confidence of the citizens, Margaret Thatcher delivered her eulogy speech in belief of President Ronald Reagan and used the rhetorical appeals of pathos, imagery, metaphor, and ethos to accomplish his presidency as successful.