Rhetorical Analysis Of The Man With The Muck Rake

In the speech “The Man with the Muck-rake” presented by Theodore Roosevelt the topics of investigative journalism, and speaking the truth are discussed. His point was made through a variety of rhetorical techniques including the use of analogy, anaphora, and ethos. The use of these three devices allowed him to convince the audience that investigative journalism, if done by lying, is one of the worst possible evils. When starting the speech Roosevelt compared the present (1906) to the time of George Washington in the late 18th century. His use of analogy illustrates the similarities and differences between the two times, this allows the audience to understand that the problems that exist now have been overcome before. While talking about the problems of his time he mentioned that “ The material problems that face us today are not such as they were in Washington’s time, but the underlying facts of human nature are the same now as they were then.” This quote shows how he used the comparison to show the audience that while the problems are not the same, they have been overcome in the past. Many Americans look back at the founding fathers and the American Revolution and think of them as

He repeated that these journalists “really ought to be attacked, who ought to be exposed, who ought, if possible, to be put in the penitentiary.” His strong opinion on the matter forces the audience to side with him and agree that the “Muck-rake” is the worst type of people. The repetition ingrains the idea that this form of journalism is unacceptable and should be stopped. In persuasive speeches such as this, anaphora is used to convince the reader of one main idea through rapid repetition of similar phrases. Roosevelt used this technique well by repeating strong verbs to implant an idea of how dire the situation and the necessity for action to be