A Rhetorical Analysis of an Icons Speech
“The pen is mightier than the sword,” said Edward Bulwer-Lytton, which Malala Yousafzai used in her speech to the UN. That implied and signified that her words would be much more significant and influential than any route of violence that she could have taken against the Taliban. Her speech achieved her purpose of persuading leaders to take action and make changes for all women and children worldwide by using pathos, ethos, and many other rhetorical devices.
To begin, Yousafzai does an impeccable job of displaying and using pathos throughout her speech. One particular example is “Weakness, fear, and hopelessness died.” How it is spoken by Yousafzai and read by the audience makes it so much more emotional
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One of the many that she uses is repetition and anaphora, which are the most used throughout her speech. One example of repetition is, “So today, we call upon the world leaders to change their strategic policies in favour of peace and prosperity. We call upon the world leaders that all the peace deals must protect women and children's rights. A deal that goes against the dignity of women and their rights is unacceptable. We call upon all governments to ensure free compulsory education for every child all over the world.” Her repeating, “We call upon”, gives her speech a more powerful and influential feeling. Another rhetorical device she uses is anaphora, and one example is, “One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first.” Reading this can bring anyone a sense of fulfilment and passionate emotions. She also uses personification, and one example is, “And if we want to achieve our goal, then let us empower ourselves with the weapon of knowledge and let us shield ourselves with unity and togetherness.” The way she used personification brings an emotion-provoking sense of empowerment and dedication to her speech. Altogether, her use of rhetorical devices is