Alfred M Green Rhetorical Analysis

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Alfred M. Green: Rhetorical Analysis In April of 1861, the first month of the Civil War, an African American man named Alfred M. Green delivered a speech in favor of African American men joining the Union army. During this time period, African American men were still not able to enlist in the army. However, Green believed that it was still essential towards the Union army’s victory, and towards their freedom and rights as African American individuals. By using the rhetorical strategies logos, ethos, and pathos, he notifies the audience of what they can accomplish, creates trust and unity, and inspires them by describing the possibility of change for the future. For example, logos is one of the rhetorical strategies that Green used in his …show more content…

Green expresses the importance of determination towards fighting for rights and freedom. He states, “While we remember the past and regret that our present position in the country is not such as to create within us that burning zeal and enthusiasm for the field of battle which inspires other men in the full enjoyment of every civil and religious emolument…,” (Green 25-30). He describes the significance of creating enthusiasm and determination in battle, as it could inspire other men in the army to fight with enthusiasm and with a strive to win. Using passionate topics like religion and patriotism, he gets his audience to feel all kinds of emotions such as motivation, confidence, boldness, and persistence. He also inspires hope for the future by describing what changes could be made in the future if the Union army actually succeeds in winning the war. He states, “...yet let us endeavor to hope for the future and improve the present auspicious moment for creating anew our claims upon the justice and honor of the Republic,” (Green 30-33). He exclaims the significance of hope, by demonstrating that the audience can improve the present matter by fighting for their freedom and rights and for the Union army. He implies that by enlisting in the army, they could make an impact on their future as there could be progress and change in the future. Pathos was used to connect to Green’s audience and to spark emotions in order to