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Rhetorical Analysis Of Lyndon B. Johnson's The Great Society

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Moving Onwards
A speech about poverty, protecting the environment, and attempting to end racial injustice was spoken at the University of Michigan, to the class of 1964. Lyndon B. Johnson, orator of this speech, hoped to inspire the next generation. Titled “The Great Society” Johnson’s first person narrative was meant to be relatable to all citizens. To me, the central message of this speech was to inspire young people to make a difference; due to the power we have over change. This paper has great ethos, it gives an example of what is to come if we do not care for our environment and people. The paper states, “Once the battle is lost...man can not wonder at nature; his spirit will wither and his sustenance be wasted” (Lyndon B. Johnson). …show more content…

For the asyndeton we have, “But we will need your will, your labor, your hearts, if we are to build that kind of society,” this enhances the responsibility one has for change. The anaphora, “For a century we… For a half century we...The challenge for the next half century is…” Anaphora uses repetition to showcase important time lengths in this paper. Sententia adds credibility by quoting famous people, “Aristotle said...” and “Woodrow Wilson once wrote…” Lastly, the dirimens copulatio assures you that the idea of the Great Society is well-thought out, “While our government has many programs directed at those issues, I do not pretend that we have the full answer to all of those problems” (Lyndon B. Johnson). Today Johnson’s speech remains number 51 on The Top 100 Speeches page (Lyndon Baines Johnson). The speech embodies the hope for the future and humans more compelling actions; kindness. Humans are so full of hope, but also have very destructive moments. Johnson envisioned a plan for renewal and strength. When he quoted Aristotle, I began to think of people coming together to have a better life. A good life with less poverty and environmental destruction. In the year 2018, scientists are diligently working to reduce the negative impact we have caused to the earth. Who knows what speeches shall inspire the

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