Rhetorical Analysis of General Douglas MacArthur’s “Duty, Honor, Country”
Acceptance speeches can often demonstrate the strength of a leader and the eloquence of a speaker and Douglas MacArthur proved to be a fine example in his Thayer Award acceptance speech. General Douglas MacArthur’s “Duty, Honor, Country” is memorable because of its effective use of rhetorical appeals, rhetorical devices, and other elements. During the time the speech occurred, the United States was engaged in a Cold War with the Soviet Union that would greatly test both world powers. Both the Soviet Union and the U.S. sought to develop a variety of nuclear weapons (including hydrogen bombs and missiles). Both countries also competed in engagements like the space race and intelligence gathering.
…show more content…
For instance, MacArthur’s promise of glory is shown when he says, “Duty, Honor, Country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” MacArthur’s use of pathos shows the veneration and honor that will come to the students who follow those three words and the phrase also instills a higher sense of calling from the General. Furthermore, MacArthur also inspires a fear of failing when he claims, “Yours is the profession of arms, the will to win, the sure knowledge that in war there is no substitute for victory; that if you lose, the nation will be destroyed; that the very obsession of your public service must be: Duty, Honor, Country.” The effect of the previous statement leaves a warning and creates a lasting impression emotionally on the Cadets that they must win and cannot accept defeat. With MacArthur’s use of pathos, he creates emotional responses that create a higher prestige and a desire to succeed in