How Does Barack Obama Use Rhetorical Devices In A More Perfect Union

Examining Barrack Obama’s compelling speech “A More Perfect Union” given during his candidacy, much of this speech has become a notable moment during Obama’s run for presidency and America at the time. Through rhetorical analysis it can be seen that in preparation during the time it was written, Obama’s writing techniques used in expressing what he wanted to speak on were done with precision and intent on how his speech would be put together. In Obama 's speech elements of rhetorical framework are existing, as appeals, devices, and context, construct the overall tone and purpose of the content. Being able to write and present it the way it was, a positive reception was the result of the purpose of the material. At the time while the speech …show more content…
An example of this be seen when Obama states, “This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign – to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America”. In this passage a reminder of Martin Luther is the general thought that comes to mind as Martin Luther himself fought for civil rights and against inequality in America. Through this passage Obama is able to recall events which resonate well in the minds of American’s and the long history of conflict which has existed in creating equality. Putting the struggles that have existed for a long time for blacks in America, Obama’s recalling of biblical and historical events such as David and Goliath, and Moses and Pharaoh, along with Christians in the lion’s den are used to express the harsh difficulties black have had in fighting for equal rights. Through capturing these events and images in the minds of his audience, Obama is noted writing, “Those stories – of survival, and freedom, and hope – became our story, my story; the blood that had spilled was our blood, the tears our tears; until this black church, on this bright day, seemed once more a vessel carrying the story of a people into future generations and into a larger world. Obama references of biblical and historical events which are known today from history as powerful stories of difficulty and perseverance is used to describe the struggles of racial inequality. As racial inequality itself is a difficult thing which even today exist his allusion to these events match well with what it has been like for blacks in America. Additionally, while many other allusions are present in Obama speech these two examples reflect Obama’s writing technique and how he prior to his presentation wanted to craft