Rhetorical Analysis Of Fdr First Inaugural Address

Rhetorical Analysis of FDR’s “First Inaugural Address” In a time of great fear, especially from a depression that had gripped the nation, many people were not sure where their next meal would come from, or even when it would come. Most of the Nation had lost a lot of trust in their governments’ abilities to lead and care for them, and were very hesitant to trust new leadership. It was in these conditions that a new leader was found, one that would lead the United Sates through its’ greatest test. The thirty-second President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in his speech, “First Inaugural Address,” describes his firm belief that the United States will endure, will revive, and will prosper. Roosevelt’s purpose is to calm the

He appeals to the fearful emotions of the audience by expressing his confidence and that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” also making them feel comfortable by referring to the them as “my friends,” and assures them that “this great Nation will endure, as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. He joins with them in this time of “nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts,” not in a fearful manner, instead in a confident and calm way for “I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.” The emphasis of confidence from the president conveys a reassuring tone that calms the people of the United States that “the only thing we have to fear is fear

Roosevelt closes his speech by implying that he intends to focus on the greater good. He uses repetition to solidify his main point, that he pledges the US to the “policy of the good neighbor.” He continues to restate this point throughout the last part of his speech by describing what a “good neighbor” is and repeating the word neighbor to solidify his point. He also appeals to the morals of his audience by repeating that a good neighbor “respects the rights of others” and “respects the sanctity of his agreements.” He uses the high moral standards of his audience to convince them “that we cannot merely take, but we must give as well.” The using of morals from President Roosevelt conveys an expectant tone that sets his expectations for the Nation in world