Example Of Essay On Media Influence Abstract Paper

Abstract

The analysis delves deep into the discourse used by George Patton to motivate is soldiers during World War II. He gave the speech to “the Third Army” in 1944, June 5th. The paper goes on to explore the techniques used by the General to inspire the soldiers at war. The types of rhetoric used by the speaker echo the techniques that are used for motivational methods. There is a clear insight in the paper regarding the nature and effect of his speech. The characteristics of the speaker are also comprehended in the course of the analysis of the speech. The purpose of the analysis lies in excavating the devices that are instrumental in making people get inspired. The literary devices are very worthy of use owing to the effect they have on the human mind.
The main purpose of Patton’s speech was to instill a sense of patriotism in the hearts of the soldiers. The speech provided the required fuel for fighting, as the soldiers overcame the fear of the impending jeopardy. Patton gave the speech on 1944, June 5th, to “the Third Army” in England at the battles of the Normandy Invasion. This speech was given at a point of time when the men were grumbling among themselves regarding the fact that the Germans had better ammunitions that were enough to destroy the American soldiers. The General spoke coarsely and profanely to instill the valor in the hearts of the soldiers.
The speaker started to speak using pathos. He says, “All real Americans love the sting and clash of battle.” He implied that if the men were afraid, they were unworthy of calling themselves Americans. There was a masculine appeal in every sentence of the speech. The General further added, “a real man will never let his fear of death overpower his honor,” to appeal to the soldiers emotionally so that they could get ready for the battle.
Patton also incorporated ethos in his speech. He chose to talk about his experiences. He said, “Then he jumped on the gun and went out and killed another German before they knew what the hell was coming off.” He tried to make the soldiers believe that he had faced the situation before in life that they were going to face the day after.
The speaker also used sensory imagery all through the speech. He included visual, auditory and kinetic imagery in such a sentence when he said, “What if every truck driver suddenly decided that he didn’t like the whine of those shells overhead, turned yellow, and jumped headlong into a ditch?” Apart from this, Patton also used alliteration in his speech. Assonance was also used by him when he said, “You’ve got to spill their blood, or they will spill yours.”
The purpose of the analysis is to understand the effect of the rhetorical devices on the minds of the listeners. Also, the analysis enables one to comprehend how the rhetorical devices elevate the effect of a speech. The devices are necessary to bring in the needed response from the listeners as the speech as a whole is given the required appeal and persuasive power.

References

General Patton's pre D-Day speech. Retrieved from
http://www.frontseattowar.com/PattonJune5preDDayspeech.htm