Rhetorical strategies

English Literature

Analyze

rhetorical strategies

in historical texts

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Question 1

Read the following excerpt. It is adapted from an 1846 speech that Irish revolutionary Thomas Francis Meagher gave in Dublin to protest the Act of Union between Great Britain and Ireland.

To be strong, a people must be self-reliant, self-ruled, self-sustained. The dependence of one people upon another, even for the benefits of legislation, is the deepest source of national weakness. By an unnatural law dependence exempts a people from their just duties—their just responsibilities. When you exempt a people from these duties, from these responsibilities, you generate in them a distrust in their own powers. Dependence incapacitates, if not utterly destroys, a spirit that must be cultivated by responsibility and duty. If this spirit of duty does not exist, the country may be tranquil, but it will not be prosperous. It may exist, but it will not thrive. It may hold together, but it will not advance. Peace it may enjoy, for peace and serfdom are compatible. But, my lord, it will neither accumulate wealth, nor win a character. It will neither benefit nor instruct mankind. Adapted from Thomas Francis Meagher, "On Abhorring the Sword"

Based on the excerpt, what is the purpose of Thomas Francis Meagher's speech?

to explain the importance of sovereignty for the people of Ireland

to demand that Britain share its accumulated wealth with Ireland

to demand that Ireland's rulers accept responsibility for its happiness

Question 2

Review the text in bold.

To be strong, a people must be self-reliant, self-ruled, self-sustained. The dependence of one people upon another, even for the benefits of legislation, is the deepest source of national weakness. By an unnatural law dependence exempts a people from their just duties—their just responsibilities. When you exempt a people from these duties, from these responsibilities, you generate in them a distrust in their own powers. Dependence incapacitates, if not utterly destroys, a spirit that must be cultivated by responsibility and duty. If this spirit of duty does not exist, the country may be tranquil, but it will not be prosperous. It may exist, but it will not thrive. It may hold together, but it will not advance. Peace it may enjoy, for peace and serfdom are compatible. But, my lord, it will neither accumulate wealth, nor win a character. It will neither benefit nor instruct mankind. Adapted from Thomas Francis Meagher, "On Abhorring the Sword"

In the text in bold, what rhetorical strategy does Thomas Francis Meagher use?

He uses sentences with similar structure.

He makes use of a symbol.

He gives a vivid description.

Question 3

Review the way that Thomas Meagher uses sentences with similar structure.

To be strong, a people must be self-reliant, self-ruled, self-sustained. The dependence of one people upon another, even for the benefits of legislation, is the deepest source of national weakness. By an unnatural law dependence exempts a people from their just duties—their just responsibilities. When you exempt a people from these duties, from these responsibilities, you generate in them a distrust in their own powers. Dependence incapacitates, if not utterly destroys, a spirit that must be cultivated by responsibility and duty. If this spirit of duty does not exist, the country may be tranquil, but it will not be prosperous. It may exist, but it will not thrive. It may hold together, but it will not advance. Peace it may enjoy, for peace and serfdom are compatible. But, my lord, it will neither accumulate wealth, nor win a character. It will neither benefit nor instruct mankind. Adapted from Thomas Francis Meagher, "On Abhorring the Sword"

How does this strategy help Thomas Francis Meagher explain the importance of sovereignty for the people of Ireland?

It inspires the hope that Britain will soon bestow freedom.

It convinces listeners that Meagher is a knowledgeable authority.

It draws contrasts that emphasize the necessity of self-governance.

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