Rhetorical Analysis Of Ronald Reagan's Speech At The Brandenburg Gate

In the speech at the Brandenburg Gate, President Ronald Reagan implements repetition, german, and rhetorical questions in order to inform the people Germany about the injustices surrounding them ultimately encouraging the destruction of the wall separating west and east and uniting the people. First, Ronald Reagan portrays himself as one of the people through german and repetition to comfort them in order to gain their trust in that tearing down the wall is the right thing to do. Take, for example how, Mr. Regan talks in both German and English when talking about how “... whatever [he does]: Ich hab noch einen Koffer in Berlin[I still have a suitcase in Berlin].” The implication that Reagan's home “suitcase” belongs in Berlin manifests a feeling of comfort. By insinuating that no matter where every he is his true home is in Berlin exemplifies the idea that he goes through their struggles as well. Saying those inspiring words in German gave additional reassurance because it is the native language of the audience. Additionally, Regan

The audience is living with “... barbed wire, … dog runs, and guard towers.” This compels the audience to look at their unwarranted condition and drive them to question how to resolve the situation. Furthermore, Regan reminds the audience that the Soviets are to blame. By insisting that the changes in the Soviet state” ... intended to raise false hopes?” Regan has the German people recollect who is responsible for their dire situation. The placement of blame focuses anger onto one source rather than anger that has no direction. Direct anger can be channeled into energy needed to resolve the problem rather than senseless anger. In a time where spirits are low, initiating someone would falsely raise hopes sparks a fire. This fire is then used to take action and tear down the wall, ultimately uniting the