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Ronald Reagan Evil Empire Speech Rhetorical Devices

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While addressing the National Association of Evangelicals at their annual convention on March 8th, 1983, Reagan shocked and inspired many people during his “Evil Empire” speech. He elects to share his views about how evil and sin in the world today, revolves around one single form of government, which is communism. Examples of Reagan’s issues with communism are quoted in the speech, including, “There is sin and evil in the world, and we're enjoined by Scripture and the Lord Jesus to oppose it with all our might. Our nation, too, has a legacy… the moral evils of our past.” This speech exemplifies the meaning of patriotism and coming together as a country, to eliminate all issues in society. Ronald Wilson Reagan, in his “Evil Empire” Speech, uses parallel …show more content…

This repetition works to emphasize a point, to create a rhythm appropriate for the tone, or both. Reagan, in his “Evil Empire” speech, repeats the phrase “I believe.” Reagan goes on to emphasize his point that communism dismantles our community, but it still occurs all around the world today. He feels that the source to America’s strength is our drive for freedom, and that drive can destroy communism once and for all. He expresses this by saying, “I believe we shall rise to the challenge. I believe that communism is another sad, bizarre chapter in human history… I believe this because the source of our strength in the quest for human freedom… it must terrify and ultimately triumph over those who would enslave their fellow man.” His use of an anaphora allows the audience focus on his belief that America can fight back against communism and learn from the mistakes of the past. The anaphora helps the audience come to the realization and inspire them to boycott the terrible teachings of communism in Reagan’s eyes. Reagan’s effective use of anaphora directs American citizens to have the right ideas in mind and disregard

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