Assignment Question
Choose one of the speeches and analyze the speaker’s use of rhetorical devices. (I’ve already chosen McCain’s speech!!) How do they use these devices and strategies to accomplish their purposes? You may use the TPMP or SPACECAT structure as a starting point. Introduction with thesis statement Please underline your thesis statement in your final draft. Historical context. You might need to describe the history of the moment. Provide context. Reasoning. This is the bulk of your essay. Describe the methods the speaker uses to accomplish his purpose. Make sure you support your thesis. You can do that by echoing the language of your thesis and repeating phrases in your topic sentence. You can critique the author’s reasoning and assumptions here. Did the author leave something out or not address a counterargument effectively? Future implications? If you want to critique the speech or point out some ironic elements, you can. For example, Nixon is leaving office. History doesn’t remember him as a good guy and yet that’s what he’s trying to portray himself as. You don’t have to critique political policy. Stick the rhetorical devices. Conclusion
Assignment Answer
Introduction
John McCain’s speech at the 2008 Republican National Convention stands as a testament to the power of rhetoric in the realm of politics. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the speech’s use of rhetorical devices, focusing on how McCain skillfully employed pathos, ethos, parallelism, and antithesis to accomplish his purpose of inspiring unity and patriotism among his audience during a critical historical moment.
Historical Context
To fully understand the impact of McCain’s speech, it’s crucial to consider the historical context in which it was delivered. The year 2008 was marked by significant challenges for the United States. The nation was grappling with a severe economic crisis, with the housing market collapse and the ensuing financial turmoil affecting millions of Americans. Additionally, the U.S. was deeply entrenched in military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, leading to increasing public discontent and calls for change.
As the Republican Party’s nominee for the presidency, McCain faced the daunting task of not only rallying support for his candidacy but also providing a vision for how he would navigate the country through these turbulent times. His speech was a pivotal moment in his campaign, an opportunity to present himself as a seasoned leader capable of addressing these pressing issues.
Reasoning
McCain’s speech was a masterclass in the strategic use of rhetorical devices. Let’s explore how he employed these devices to achieve his goals:
Pathos
Pathos is the art of appealing to the emotions of the audience. McCain excelled in this area by sharing deeply personal anecdotes and stories. He recounted his harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, highlighting his sacrifices for the country. By doing so, he created a strong emotional connection with the audience, making himself relatable and demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the nation.
For instance, McCain spoke of his time as a prisoner of war, saying, “I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else’s.” This poignant statement not only tugged at the heartstrings of the audience but also reinforced his love for the nation.
The emotional appeals in his speech served to humanize McCain and paint him as a dedicated patriot who had experienced tremendous hardship for the sake of his country.
Ethos
Ethos is the establishment of credibility and trust with the audience. McCain meticulously crafted his image as a trustworthy and experienced leader throughout his speech. He highlighted his extensive service to the nation, both in the military and in Congress, emphasizing his dedication to principles, values, and bipartisanship.
By showcasing his commitment to working across the aisle, McCain positioned himself as a unifying figure in a politically divided time. He reiterated his dedication to serving the nation, stating, “I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not.” This not-so-subtle comparison was a clear attempt to gain the trust and confidence of the American people.
McCain’s ethos-building efforts aimed to present him as a reliable and experienced leader who could be trusted to steer the nation through challenging times.
Parallelism
Parallelism involves the repetition of grammatical structures to convey a message effectively. McCain employed this device skillfully throughout his speech. One of the most memorable instances was his repetition of the phrase “fight for what’s right.” This repetition reinforced the idea of moral strength and conviction, making it a central theme of his speech.
By consistently repeating this phrase, McCain not only made his message memorable but also underscored his unwavering commitment to his principles. It was as if he was telling the audience that, despite the challenges, he would persist in fighting for what he believed was right.
This parallelism helped tie together various parts of his speech and ensured that his core message resonated with the audience.
Antithesis
Antithesis is a rhetorical device used to contrast two opposing ideas. McCain employed antithesis to great effect in his speech, contrasting his vision for America with what he characterized as the divisive and misguided policies of his political rivals.
He presented his vision of a united and prosperous America in opposition to what he saw as the divisive and misguided policies of his opponents. This technique served to sharpen his message and highlight the choice facing voters in the upcoming election.
For example, McCain declared, “We believe in a strong defense, work, faith, service, a culture of life.” This contrasted with what he portrayed as the opposing values of his opponents, emphasizing the importance of the choices voters faced.
Future Implications
While McCain’s speech effectively achieved its immediate purpose of rallying his party’s base and presenting a compelling vision for the future, it is essential to consider the long-term implications and the broader context.
In retrospect, one might argue that his focus on bipartisanship and unity, while admirable, may not have fully resonated with the prevailing political climate of the time. The 2008 election ultimately saw the victory of Barack Obama, who ran on a platform of hope and change, which resonated with a significant portion of the electorate.
Furthermore, some critics have pointed out the challenge of reconciling McCain’s call for unity with the partisan realities of contemporary American politics. While he spoke eloquently about working across the aisle, achieving such cooperation in practice proved to be more challenging, given the deep political divides and polarization that persisted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John McCain’s 2008 Republican National Convention speech showcased the power of rhetoric in political discourse. Through his skillful use of rhetorical devices such as pathos, ethos, parallelism, and antithesis, McCain effectively connected with his audience and communicated his vision for America during a pivotal historical moment. While his speech did not lead to a successful presidential bid, it remains a notable example of persuasive rhetoric in politics. It demonstrates how a skilled speaker can use language to inspire, persuade, and rally support during a critical historical moment. McCain’s legacy as a dedicated patriot and statesman is, in part, cemented by his ability to convey his convictions and vision through the art of rhetoric.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the significance of John McCain’s 2008 Republican National Convention speech?
McCain’s 2008 speech was a critical moment in his presidential campaign and aimed to rally support during a challenging period in U.S. history. Its significance lies in its use of rhetoric to convey a message of unity and patriotism.
How did John McCain employ pathos in his speech?
McCain used pathos by sharing personal anecdotes and stories, creating an emotional connection with the audience. He discussed his experiences as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, evoking strong emotions and making himself relatable.
What role did ethos play in McCain’s speech?
Ethos was crucial in establishing McCain’s credibility as a leader. He highlighted his extensive service in the military and Congress, emphasizing his dedication to principles and bipartisanship to gain the trust and confidence of the American people.
What is the significance of parallelism in McCain’s speech?
Parallelism, as a rhetorical device, helped reinforce McCain’s core message of fighting for what’s right. By repeating this phrase, he made his message memorable and underscored his commitment to his principles.
How did John McCain use antithesis in his speech?
McCain employed antithesis to contrast his vision for America with what he saw as divisive policies of his political rivals. This technique sharpened his message and highlighted the choices facing voters in the upcoming election.
