A Rhetorical Analysis Of King Henry Viii's Speech

Cadence Mansfield and Karina Martinez English 1 Honors Mrs. Albuquerque 4 April 2024 King Henry VIII's soapstone King Henry VIII delivered an oration on December 24, 1545, to address Parliament. In this speech, he made it clear that he took his own time to speak to them. This was a unique speech because it was a time when the King delivered it himself and not the Chancellor. He wanted Parliament to hear this speech from him. Henry wanted them to understand that he held more power, as he often reminded them. He spoke with authority and tried to show that he deserved respect. Although the King demonstrated himself as a higher power, he was also unprofessional by including comedy and unserious comments involving Parliament and himself. In the end, King Henry VIII took time out of his day to speak to Parliament

He puts himself above others as if he is more knowledgeable than they are. The King tries to crush their self-esteem, “Now, since I find such kindness on your part towards me, I cannot choose but to love and favor you”(Henry 2). He makes it seem like they are too young and they need help. Additionally, he tells Parliament that they are at fault for how the King's relationship with parliament, “I assure you that this lack of charity amongst yourselves will be the hindrance and assuaging of the fervent love between us,”(Henry 2). He is telling them that they have too many problems in Parliament that there are too many obstacles. He decided to do this all at once and through himself so Parliament could hear things from the King himself. King Henry wants to tell them the problem but still puts himself above them, “I thank you.”(Henry 1). As well as that, he utilizes sarcasm to show that Henry does not take Parliament seriously. Henry then goes on to talk about how he was put in a position to do good for the people, “I being put in so special a trust as I am in this case,”(Henry