Introduction
In times of civil strife, leaders of nations, of religious groups, or military forces have addressed the public in such authoritative way through their powerful speeches. In some remarkable cases, their words served as catalysts to action and a result of it; reform (Crespo 2007). My research will be based on specific rhetoric devices used in wartime speeches, and one speech from the Pope.
This research topic is very significant in that it tries to bring out clearly the role of the war speeches; how they have been used in the past and the resultant reactions that followed. In essence, this paper shall try to establish whether the speeches are of any great importance.
Leaders have always used speeches to address the public in such times of hardship and strife. Some speeches cool down the temper of the public while others have served to incite citizens and as a result of such, war erupts.
Conception
In this research, I shall consider a number of speeches delivered by great leaders of different nations in times of crisis and critically analyze them for their significance and impacts. To be specific, I shall look into depth the speeches by Winston Churchill Winston and Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church.
Definitions
Dysphemism – it is a distasteful substitute for inoffensive word
Ethos – this is the distinctive spirit of people
Pathos – this is a quality that arouses sympathy
Literature Review
The book "Hallowed GroundA Date Which Will Live in Infamy”. By Wade Dudly aimed to briefly establish the ethos, pathos and logos Roosevelt used to address the American nation after the attacks of Pearl Harbor. President Roosevelt, Dudly points out, leveled with the public by aligning himself with them, a man in the same situation as they were. By cementing his ethos, the public then looked toward him for guidance and direction, setting the path for his speech to have the ultimate effect. In a similar way of Churchill toward the Germans, Roosevelt sought to convince the American public that the Japanese were criminals; barbaric savages that had left the United States of America no choice but to become actively involved in the war. Despite its reduced length, this source is useful in showing at least three techniques Roosevelt applied to his successful rhetoric. It could have used more examples in explaining the foundation Roosevelt set regarding his logos. There is also a portion that mentions Roosevelt felt angry and betrayed and this was perceivable through his words, but no specific text is chosen to solidify this thesis. In general, it is a clear and relevant source in casting light upon wartime speeches and their distinct use of rhetoric.
In addition to these, I shall also shade some light on how the leaders of today ape Roosevelt and Churchill in applying their pathos, ethos and logos.
Methodology
The information on this research topic shall be collected from various reliable sources. One of such sources is the library books. I chose this because these books have the necessary historical information. Their titles and authors will give me easy time in referencing. Another source will be the websites which shall be very essential in providing the most recent information. I may also have interviews so as to get exactly what people think about such speeches and how they have reacted to them. Questionnaires shall be of great usefulness here.
Conclusion
This research is at its take off stage, and progress is quite tremendous. However, I will still need a little more time to formulate the questionnaires. The greatest challenge I expect in this research is conducting the interview.
Works cited
Crespo-Fernandez. Eliecer.El eufemismo y el disfemimismo, 2007. Universidad
Boone, Bartholomess. U.S Army War College. 2008. Pennsylvania
Wale, Dudley. A Day of Infamy.1941
National Catholic Reporter, New documents amounts to Francis ‘I Have a Dream Speech’ December, 2013
