Sir Francis Drake Allusion

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Reagan uses allusion, or reference to past literary works or people, with Sir Francis Drake in order to use a common day of loss; it would remind the people of a historical figure that connects with the disaster of The Challenger. “On this day three hundred and ninety years ago, the great explorer Sir Francis Drake died aboard a ship off the coast of Panama.” (Reagan 2). This quote provided the audience with a comparison to one of the most considerable explorers; depicting a picture of the fallen heroes to be seen as intrepid and “dedicated to their cause.” (Wagoner 1). “Their dedication was, like Drake’s, complete.” (Reagan 2). Reagan uses this allusion because as the leader of the nation, he felt the need to console the people in it. He