Example Of Essay On Rhetorical Analysis Of The Inaugural Address

In the inaugural address, Franklin Harris emphasizes the importance of providing education to all for the welfare of mankind. He promotes Brigham Young University as one where character is placed above learning, and aims at training students for leadership in various aspects of life. The purpose of the speech is to help people understand the importance of education, that too from a university like Brigham Young University.
All the rhetorical tools of ethos, logos and pathos have been used well in the speech, making it a very strong and persuasive one. Harris addresses to the community at large about how important it is to train students to become responsible world citizens so that the future is in the hands of good reliable leaders. This is a very valid point as the very essence of education is to bring forth responsible global citizens. Thus, the use of logos as well, is done very effectively in the speech by giving good reasoning. Ethos as a tool is also used well, as the speaker emphasizes the truth that many are ignorant in the world and it’s important for all to be educated. The focus of pathos, in the speech, is the audience as it appeals to their feelings and emotions very appropriately. He explains how important spiritual growth is for eternal development, and this is the consciousness the University aims at instilling in the students. When he talks about the enthusiasm with which the faculty of the University needs to educate the students, it impresses the audience of how much passion for education there is in the speaker.
The speaker tries to promote that education opportunities should be made available to all and Brigham Young University is one which firmly believes in training students to become future leaders. He shows how the University has set very high standards and goals for both the faculty and students in order to achieve its aim of banishing ignorance from the world. He uses persuasive language in expressing the beliefs and motives.