What Is Thomas Whitmore's Speech

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In the 1996 film “Independence Day” while the planet is being attacked by aliens, in the military base before the fighting commences the president Thomas J. Whitmore gives a speech. His men stand in front him and attentively listen to him for words of encouragement. While this might have been the last day for everyone the president stood, tall and gave his men an inspirational speech to keep them fighting and hopeful. The president’s speech was intended to get his men inspired and animated for this upcoming war. The speech was given right before they were leaving to fight he knew that his men were distressed and knew he needed to say something. He motivates the military by saying, in line 9, “We're fighting for our right to live, to exist.” his men know they must try their best to keep humanity alive. This war happened the 4th of July a day where we celebrate our freedom but the president refers to it as the day we all survived this shows his men that he believes in them and knows that they will save humankind. …show more content…

Thomas Whitmore’s speech was effective because he uses pathos to evoke emotions in his men. He refers to the need to be one and the need to survive. In lines 14 and 15, “We're going to live on! We're going to survive!” he is reinforcing the idea that after all the fighting humankind will survive and still be here. As well as, the president uses the word “we” throughout his speech letting the military men know that it’s not just them but everyone has a responsibility in keeping them alive. He also ends his speech by saying, in line 16, “Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!” letting all the people in the audience know that even though they are fighting they still have the right to rejoice in this holiday and be proud of