Rhetorical Analysis Of President Obama's Speech By Barack Obama

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Barack Obama was first brought into office in 2009 and has held the position for the last six years. There have been forty-five presidents of the United States, but prior to him, they had all been white. A new comer to the post with many disliking him, this speech was pivotal, an opportunity to assert his authority and to assure the people of America that he was not just suitable for the job but also a visionary president. Obama managed this by using a variety of paralinguistic features, far more than used normally in speeches, throughout the presentation to keep his viewers interested and engaged. Over 1.8 million people in Central Park, New York watched his performance as it was broadcast across the globe.

Recognising that it is hard to
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[<- quite a long sentence] He evokes patriotism in his views, and the repetition he uses, anaphora and is effective as it puts emphasis on the sacrifices that have been made, inspiring people to stand with him for their country and to intrust him with the power to lead that country. This section of the speech shows that previous generations had hope and so shall this one; though he continues with the blunt honesty about their …show more content…
Metaphors are used regularly, sometimes interlinked with antithesis. [<- incorrect use of antithesis] Such as “we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist” which conveys a point simply and concisely though still evoking emotions and mental images from the audience. Antithesis enforces points and contrasts situations, so that they have a stronger effect. Imagery also persuades the audience to imagine what Obama is saying, making it more memorable. “The snow was stained with blood” plays on human’s natural empathy causing sadness or pity in the crowd. Obama, in this paragraph, talks about America’s history, evoking patriotism and he brings in the hardships of those eras that their ancestors

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