Rhetorical Analysis of Dwight Eisenhower Speech

Dwight Eisenhower served as the 34th President of the United States, holding office for two terms as a Republican president from 1952 to 1960. His first term as president was marked by efforts to improve relations with the Korean Peninsula and bring an end to the Korean War. Additionally, he worked diligently during his first term to establish peace with the Soviet Union and strengthen NATO. In his second term, he continued to combat communist aggression. Eisenhower was well-received as president, known for his strong work ethic, deep religiosity, and his role as the Supreme Commander of the Army during World War II. His presidency occurred during a tense and war-ridden period in global history. His speech, delivered to the American people, utilized rhetorical devices, including ethos, pathos, logos, and others, to convey a message of strength, growth, and peace during his time in office.

Analysis of Rhetorical Devices in Eisenhower's Speech

Pathos

Eisenhower employed pathos as a rhetorical device to communicate his message of strength, growth, and peace during his presidency. One instance of this emotional appeal was at the beginning of his speech when he addressed the incoming president, John F. Kennedy, and wished him good luck. Specifically, Eisenhower said, "Like every other citizen, I wish the new President, and all who will labor with him, Godspeed. I pray that the coming years will be blessed with peace and prosperity for all." This appealed to the audience's emotions by conveying a sense of fairness and hope, evoking elevated emotions among the listeners.

Another use of pathos in his address was when he discussed the free government of the United States and the fundamental principles upon which the nation was founded. In this context, he stated, "To strive for less would be unworthy of a free and religious people. Any failure traceable to arrogance, or our lack of comprehension, or readiness to sacrifice would inflict upon us grievous hurt, both at home and abroad." Here, Eisenhower tapped into the audience's emotions by addressing their beliefs, which reminded people of the core values of fairness and equality upon which the country was built. The choice of words such as "strive," "unworthy," and "arrogance" added a layer of emotional depth to his argument, while still appealing to logos as these words carried connotations of feelings.

Finally, Eisenhower employed pathos when discussing the horrors and devastation caused by war. He remarked, "As one who has witnessed the horror and the lingering sadness of war, as one who knows that another war could utterly destroy this civilization which has been so slowly and painfully built over thousands of years, I wish I could say tonight that a lasting peace is in sight." This appealed to the audience's emotions by using words like "sadness," "painfully," and "destroys," which naturally evoked negative emotions and prompted listeners to contemplate the dire consequences of conflict.

Logos

Mr. Eisenhower effectively utilizes logos to convey his message of strength, growth, and peace in his farewell address. When discussing global threats faced by the United States and the importance of maintaining peace, he articulates, "To meet it successfully, there is called for, not so much the emotional and transitory sacrifices of crisis, but rather those which enable us to carry forward steadily, surely, and without complaint the burdens of a prolonged and complex struggle with liberty at stake." This demonstrates logos as he emphasizes rational decision-making, advocating against impulsive choices driven by emotion. His focus on steady progress aligns with bipartisan efforts to enhance the quality of life for Americans.

Another instance where Mr. Eisenhower employs logos is when he addresses the role of the military in preserving peace. He asserts, "A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction." This statement exhibits logos by employing an authoritative tone and rational reasoning. He argues that a strong military serves as a deterrent against potential threats, logically leading to the maintenance of peace.

Additionally, Mr. Eisenhower employs logos when discussing scientific advances. He cautions, "Yet, in holding scientific research and discovery in respect, as we should, we must also be alert to the equal and opposite danger that public policy could itself become the captive of a scientific-technological elite." Here, he invokes logos by considering both sides of the issue, demonstrating logical reasoning. He emphasizes the need to strike a balance between respecting scientific progress and ensuring that public policy decisions remain grounded in democratic principles.

Ethos

Moreover, Mr. Eisenhower effectively utilizes ethos throughout his speech to convey a sense of strength and credibility gained during his presidency. His authoritative position as the outgoing president lends weight to his words. For instance, he establishes ethos when discussing his relationship with Congress, emphasizing the importance of essential agreements on significant issues. By recounting his long history with Congress and his eight years as president, he conveys trustworthiness, credibility, and reliability.

Furthermore, Mr. Eisenhower employs ethos when introducing himself and his half-century of service to the country. By highlighting his extensive and dedicated service, he establishes his credibility and competence. He utilizes ethos again when discussing the merging of new and old forces within the democratic system, portraying statesmanship as a task that requires competence and fairness.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Eisenhower continues to draw on ethos, speaking as a credible figure who deeply comprehends the principles of the nation. He expresses confidence in the nation's ability to achieve peace with justice, conveying a sense of authority and understanding of the nation's core principles.

Mr. Eisenhower also employs the rhetorical device of anaphora in his address to emphasize his message of strength, growth, and peace during his presidency. Anaphora, a technique where the first part of a sentence is deliberately repeated for artistic effect, is used effectively throughout his speech. For example, he states, "It is the task of statesmanship to mold, to balance, and to integrate these and other forces, new and old, within the principles of our democratic system – ever aiming toward the supreme goals of our free society." Additionally, he remarks, "Another factor in maintaining balance involves the element of time." By repeating words like "balance" and "peace" throughout his speech, Mr. Eisenhower employs anaphora to clearly convey his opinions and aspirations.

Conclusion

To conclude, Mr. Eisenhower skillfully incorporates logos, pathos, ethos, and anaphora into his address to communicate his message of strength, power, and hope during his presidency. These rhetorical devices effectively appeal to logic, emotions, and credibility, leaving no aspect unaddressed and catering to the audience's needs. As a former president, he naturally possesses a high degree of ethos, bolstering his credibility and competence in the eyes of the audience.

His farewell address, which was well-received, fostered a sense of peace during a tumultuous period in American history. Through his adept use of logos, pathos, ethos, and anaphora, Mr. Eisenhower's speech remains one of the greatest in history, effectively conveying his message of strength, growth, and hope for the nation.

References

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