Introduction
Aristotle was the man who called rhetoric an art in his treatise of the same name (Aristotle 3). Rhetoric is a real art, a gift that allows influencing the mind of the crowd. People, endowed by the art of rhetoric, are charismatic, they can persuade others, imbue them with their ideas, and either inspire them to act or shape their opinion about some situation, event, etc. Rhetoric can be considered military art where a word is a weapon as the word is mightier than the sword. Using the examples of three famous speeches, this paper will show how a combination of such rhetoric devices as repetitions, triads, allusions, etc. can create powerful pieces of rhetoric serving different purposes.
“Ich Bin ein Berliner” by J. F. Kennedy
The speech “Ich Bin ein Berliner” by John F. Kennedy is a marvelous piece of rhetoric that is considered one of his best public speeches that shows strong support of West Germany by the USA during the Cold War. There is no doubt that the persuasiveness and vigor of the speech are created due to the message that is conveyed by it: support of German people who wanted to be free, and due to the specific rhetorical devices that make a speech so strong. Such is one of the most common devices, repetition, frequently used throughout the speech. From the outset, Kennedy expresses his pride to support the Berliners, saying “I am proud – And I am proud to visit the Federal Republic” (Kennedy par. 1). “Two thousand ago – Two thousand ago” is one more repetition that stresses continuity and even eternity of patriotism that is suggested by the use of a quotation (it is one more rhetorical device) in Latin “civis Romanus sum” (Kennedy par. 2). The use of the quotation reminds me of the respect of state and respect of citizens that was typical of ancient Rome. Kennedy creates one more rhetoric device that follows the Latin statement: “Ich bin ein Berliner”. In this case, it is the periphrasis of the Latin statement that implies the pride and glory of being a free person. Still, though some other rhetoric devices are used by Kennedy, such as triads (“and the force, and the hope, and the determination” (Kennedy par. 12)), repetitions are prevailing in this speech, with the most influential one, “Ich bin ein Berliner” used to create a framing repetition that contributes to the conveyance of the message.
“Sylvanus Thayer Award Acceptance Address” by D. MacArthur
MacArthur, in “Sylvanus Thayer Award Acceptance Address”, addresses the cadets of the Academy to give credit to the ideals that should lead every soldier. The impressiveness of the speech is created by genuine feelings, love of his country, and skillful use of rhetorical devices. If the main device that can be indicated in the previous speech is repetition, the speech by MacArthur abounds in triads. MacArthur resorts to the motto of the Academy: “Duty, Honor, Country” which is a triad in itself. Other examples of this device are as follows: “what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be” (MacArthur par. 4), “always their blood and sweat and tears” (MacArthur par. 10). The use of this rhetorical device adds reliability to the speech, and it makes it more passionate at the same time. The eloquence of the speaker is supported by the use of an antithesis: “I do not know the dignity of their birth, but I do know the glory of their death” (MacArthur par. 10). The use of this device shows the devotedness of the speaker to his land and the seriousness of his mission.
“I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” by M.L. King, Jr.
Finally, King’s speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”, differs from the above-analyzed speeches by its purpose: to inspire people to unity and nonviolent protest with the help of a sermon-like speech. Among the main rhetoric devices used by King is repetition as well. In most cases, it is an anaphoric repetition typical of sermons: “I would move … I would go on, I would even come” (King par. 3, 4, 5). They make the flow of speech smooth creating the impression of a flight that is described by the speaker. The repetition of the adverb “now” at the beginning of several paragraphs shows the necessity of immediate actions: “Now these are some particular things”, “Now, let me say” (King par. 30). Repetitions also create tension in the speech: “It means that we’ve got to stay together. We’ve got to stay together and maintain unity” (King par. 16), “The issue is injustice. The issue is the refusal” (King par. 17). As in sermons, there are often allusions to the Bible and significant events, King makes use of them too, mentioning his talk with God and his imaginary meetings with Aristotle, Socrates, his trip to the Roman Empire, and “to the day of the Renaissance” (King par. 5).
Conclusion
Concluding, it is possible to say that rhetorical devices form the core of every analyzed speech, making the message evident. In Kennedy’s speech, they show American support of West Germany. In MacArthur’s speech, they help to express the loyalty of the soldier to his country. In King’s speech, rhetorical devices help to create the impression of the necessity of immediate action and protest.
Works Cited
Aristotle. Rhetoric. Trans. W. Rhys Roberts. USA: Courier Dover Publications, 2004.
Kennedy, John F. “Ich Bin ein Berliner.” West Berlin, 1963. Web.
King, Martin Luther, Jr. “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” Memphis, TN, 1968. Web.
MacArthur, Douglas. “Sylvanus Thayer Award Acceptance Address.” West Pont, NY, 1962. Web.