Rhetorical Analysis of General Douglas MacArthur’s “Duty, Honor, Country”
Acceptance speeches can often demonstrate the strength of a leader and the eloquence of a speaker and Douglas MacArthur proved to be a fine example in his Thayer Award acceptance speech. General Douglas MacArthur’s “Duty, Honor, Country” is memorable because of its effective use of rhetorical appeals, rhetorical devices, and other elements. During the time the speech occurred, the United States was engaged in a Cold War with the Soviet Union that would greatly test both world powers. Both the Soviet Union and the U.S. sought to develop a variety of nuclear weapons (including hydrogen bombs and missiles). Both countries also competed in engagements like the space race and intelligence gathering.
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For instance, MacArthur’s promise of glory is shown when he says, “Duty, Honor, Country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” MacArthur’s use of pathos shows the veneration and honor that will come to the students who follow those three words and the phrase also instills a higher sense of calling from the General. Furthermore, MacArthur also inspires a fear of failing when he claims, “Yours is the profession of arms, the will to win, the sure knowledge that in war there is no substitute for victory; that if you lose, the nation will be destroyed; that the very obsession of your public service must be: Duty, Honor, Country.” The effect of the previous statement leaves a warning and creates a lasting impression emotionally on the Cadets that they must win and cannot accept defeat. With MacArthur’s use of pathos, he creates emotional responses that create a higher prestige and a desire to succeed in
Clancy’s use of pathos ties in with his use of ethos. “I learned more of the spirit of American history at my mother’s knee than I ever learned in my four years of high school study of American history and in my five and a half year of study at the great University of Michigan” (Clancy 23). His personal anecdotes like that, which are not only pathos but ethos as well, make the audience feel his connection to the topic. He was grown up and raised taught about the spirit of American history. It’s a part of him, even as someone who is a “hyphenate”.
General Macarthur's inspirational speech, Duty Honor Country, a speech he so eloquently delivered on May 12, 1962, proved to be one of the most powerful speeches in history. He praised the soldier's bravery, courage, and highlighted their tremendous impact on everyday life through various claims. He makes this assertion by characterizing the soldiers through his slogan Duty Honor Country. General Macarthur also uses pathos by mentioning religion to convey emotional feeling from the audience. MacArthur’s purpose is to paint the image of how an ideal soldier should be in order to shape their lives as military leaders.
To do any great speech justice, the speaker must incorporate the use of pathos. Because who can argue with logic? General Douglas MacArthur employs this device to appeal to the cadet’s sense of duty. In his phrase “ We speak in strange terms: of harnessing the cosmic energy; of making winds and tides work for us; of creating unheard synthetic materials to supplement or even replace out old standard basics; to purify sea water for out drink.. Of ultimate conflict between a united human race and the sinister forces of some other planetary galaxy; of such dreams and fantasies as to make life the most exciting of all time” (Paragraph 18).
Back in the late 50’s to the 60’s the United States were in a space race with the
The academic struggles that had once haunted him years ago returned. He was enraged that his grades remained lackluster despite his vigorous study habits. With his indifference towards mathematics, Patton put emphasis on military subjects, sports, and his own self-discipline (Sweeny 65). Patton was a young man with tremendous pride so he let his failures hurt his confidence. With his failures
The lieutenant was charged with delivering an important message to a Cuban general. The book was seen as the perfect portrayal of loyalty and obedience. There are multiple tactical lessons that can be taken from this book/essay, not only to include how individual ethics can create an enormous impact.
On June 14, 1953 — Flag Day — President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law a contentious modification to a 60 year old tradition: the phrase “under God” was to be inserted into the Pledge of Allegiance. Supporters of the bill claimed that its passage would make the Pledge more consistent with America’s tradition of faith and spirituality. This appears to be a contradiction: how can changing the Pledge make it more traditional? President Eisenhower wrote that the phrase would serve to “remind [us] of the spiritual and moral principles [...] upon which our way of life is founded”. This exemplifies a key tactic used by those Christians who called for substantial changes to the incorporation of religion in America’s public schools: the appeal
The issue I plan to address for my research paper is the debate for the Pledge of Allegiance to be integrated into the school system. I also plan on addressing the inclusion of the words “under God” and the series of lawsuits that followed the congressional change. I became interested in this topic hen I discovered that its integration to public schools it was closely linked with the mandatory inclusion of an American Flag in every classroom.
Men went through so many tasks during the Vietnam War physically and mentally. The beginning chapters focus on training for war and being prepared for the worst. For example, when there is a sergeant in a room with the marines. The sergeant walks to the chalk board and writes “AMBUSHES ARE MURDER AND MURDER IS FUN” (36-37). The
”(554) John reassured his father and told him” All you have to do with yourself is worry. ”(554) Frank knew his son had a job to do and was frustrated that he could do nothing. He watched on television as first responders and military personnel tried to find survivors. He felt proud of his son for being in the military and could look the other “men and women in uniform in the eye”(554) because his son
Admiral William H. Mcraven addressed the 2014 graduating class at the University of Austin, Texas with more than eight thousand students in attendance. The address given by Adm. Mcraven touched the hearts of millions from all around the world by his inspirational message of how one person can change the world if they simply helped change the lives of ten others in their lifetime. I chose this speech for my rhetorical analysis because of the simple message it portrays, how helping a few can eventually help many. Adm. Mcraven’s address was especially effective for his audience, much due to how he relates to the students by reminiscing of the day he graduated from UT while providing advice for young college graduates preparing to begin their adult lives.
Use of Rhetorical Appeals in “Duty,Honor, Country” The effectiveness of rhetorical devices is no better illustrated than in the essay “Duty, Honor, Country” by General Douglas MacArthur. Throughout this piece the tone and opinion is made clear without being heavy handed making the piece infinitely more relatable. MacArthur’s use of the socratic appeals(Ethos,Pathos and Logos), not only makes the reader contemplate what he is saying but how it is being said. Establishing one's own credibility is a challenge often faced by both speakers and writers.
Synthesis Essay – George S. Patton MSgt Shawn R. Hyler Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy George S. Patton Have you ever thought about what you would say to a group of men and women in the face of insurmountable odds or immanent death? Would you be able to motivate them to a point where they are willing to give their lives for their country? Would you be able to find the words to move them to action, give them courage, or ease their nervous? General George S. Patton was a visionary and ethical leader who used key leadership concepts like open-mindedness, team dynamics, sound ethical behavior, and inspirational motivation to inspire a nation, overcome unsurmountable odds, and ultimately guide the Third Army to victory during WWII.
When a soldier and leader applies integrity into their day to day operation, they trust each other to do the right thing at all times. Honor plays also plays a major part in a soldier’s and leader’s work environment as well, that is just living up to the Army Values. Once they develop that habit they’re showing that they are honorable. An individual shows selfless service simply by put others before yourself. This is the mindset one must have especially on the battle field, because in that situation you are not fighting for yourself, you are fighting for the man or woman to the left or right of you so that they can make it home to their loved ones.
In order to learn more about military mind we can take a look at the United States Army; Warrior Ethos which are: i. I will always place the mission first. ii. I will never accept defeat. iii. I will never quit.