Aristotle was the wise man who called rhetoric an art (Aristotle 3). In fact, rhetoric is a real art, a gift that gives an opportunity to influence the mind of the crowd. People who are endowed by the art of rhetoric are charismatic, they can persuade others, pass on their ideas to other people, and either inspire them to act or form their opinion about some situation or event. The main aim of the present paper is to identify the functions and explain the use of important rhetorical devices in three famous speeches of the prominent American leaders: “Ich bin ein Beliener” by John F. Kennedy, “Sylvanus Thayer Award Acceptance Address” by General Mac Arthur, and “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” by King.
The speech, “Ich bin ein Berliner”, by John F. Kennedy is one of his best public speeches that shows strong support of West Germany by the USA during the Cold War. Kennedy expresses his pride to support the Berliners, he uses anadiplosis: “I am proud – And I am proud to visit the Federal Republic” (Kennedy par.1). “Two thousands ago – Two thousands ago” is one more anadiplosis that stresses the strength of patriotism that is suggested with the help of a quotation in Latin: “civis Romanus sum” (Kennedy par. 2). Kennedy wants to show the necessity of democracy in Germany and he uses a reference to this Latin statement but he says it in German, comparing ancient Romans and Berliners: “Ich bin ein Beliner”. In this case, “Ich bin ein Berliner” is a metaphor showing the pride of being free. Besides, Kennedy uses of one more rhetorical device, climax: “I know no town … that still lives with the vitality and the force, and the hope, and the determination” (par. 12) to show his support of the position of West Berlin. Though Kennedy’s speech is rich in rhetorical devices, repetitions are the most commonly used, and the brightest one is “Ich bin ein Berliner”.
General MacArthur, in “Sylvanus Thayer Award Acceptance Address’ ‘, addresses the cadets of the Academy to show the ideals that should lead every soldier. The impressiveness of the speech is created by real feelings and apt use of rhetorical devices. If the main device in the previous speech is repetition, the same thing can be seen in General MacArthur’s speech. MacArthur uses the motto of the Academy: “Duty, Honor, Country” and it becomes the main repetition in the speech. When General MacArthur is speaking about hardships that soldiers bear, he always concludes his idea by the words “Duty, Honor, Country”. He implies that these words should be the code of all soldiers and he thinks that these words can be the answer to all questions. Glorifying American soldiers, General uses similes: “as its [nation’s] lifeguard”, “as its gladiator” (MacDouglas par. 20). Finally, a metaphor “Twilight is here” (MacDouglas par. 27) shows that the military career of the speaker is over but the words “Duty, Honor, Country” will be in his heart forever. The use of all rhetorical devices shows the devotedness of the speaker to his land.
Finally, Martin Luther King’s speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”, differs from the above speeches by its character, it is a sermon-like speech. Repetition is the main rhetorical device used by King. In most cases, it is anaphora typical of sermons: “I would move … I would go on, I would even come” (King par. 3, 4, 5). This type of repetition makes the speech smooth, creating the impression of a flight that is described by the speaker. Repetition also creates the 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). As in sermons, there are often references to the Bible and to significant events and King uses 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). His mentioning significant historical events and epochs and his refusal to stay there shows the importance of the present for the speaker. He also gives a biblical reference to “a man of another race” who helped a man and was considered “the great man” by Jesus (King par. 23). This reference teaches the audience “to project the ‘I’ into the ‘thou’” and to love all people (King par. 23).
Drawing a conclusion, it is possible to say that rhetorical devices are important for every speech analyzed in this paper, they help to show message. In Kennedy’s speech, repetition, metaphor, reference, and climax show American support of West Germany. In MacArthur’s speech, anaphora, simile, and metaphor help to express loyalty of the soldier to his country. In King’s speech, anaphora and reference help to create the impression of the necessity of immediate action and protest. Thus, repetition is the most frequently used rhetorical device in the speeches while other rhetorical devices are also important for the expression of the messages of the speeches.
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.