A Rhetorical Analysis Of Washington's Farewell Address

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Washington’s Farewell Address In September 1796, George Washington shocked the people of the United States by announcing he would not be running for a third term. Washington’s “Farewell Address” to the people of the USA was co-written by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison in hopes of inspiring and guiding future generations. This speech was written in efforts to defend the Washington Administration of their record and stances and maintained the federalist doctrine. This essay was originally published on September 19, 1796 in the Philadelphia Daily American Advertiser and then was republished in papers around the country. The speech is famous for its call to national unity and its warning against the dangers of political parties and foreign …show more content…

Washington's emotional argument embodies his core belief that would help this nation. His gratitude and love of being President and service to the people was an emotional declaration used to convince and motivate people to action. A powerful example of pathos in the speech comes early on, as Washington addresses the theme of national unity. He describes the American people as "one people" who share a common heritage and a common destiny. He warns that "The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations." (7) This statement is powerful because it appeals to the audience's sense of pride in their country and their identity as Americans. By using the phrase "just pride,"(7) Washington suggests that this pride is not only natural but also virtuous, and that it is something that all Americans should strive to cultivate. Calling on people's patriotism in his speech was wise and drew directly to the emotional appeal. Washington’s utilization of rhetorical analysis pathos struck fear in the audience's heart. His calls for action and passing on the responsibility to the citizens in holding this nation together was an overwhelming call for many