Rhetoric element involves the persuasive or stylistic device that a speaker uses to convey to the listeners meaning with the aim of persuading them to understand a given topic differently.
Thesis statement: Reagan uses repetition, hyperbole, and allusion in his speech.
Firstly, in his speech, Reagan uses repetition as a rhetorical element to deliver on his speech. Use of repetition is an effective tool in this speech since it emphasizes the key issues the audience needs to take into consideration
a) Using repetition Reagan emphasizes to the American people the importance
of embracing unity among them
i) He would expose a given issue and later provide a solution
ii) This is evident when he says,”You and I are told in most cases we have to
select amidst the left or right”(Reagan 7)
b) Another point is when he gives the audience hope on how they should take the
initiative about their lives
i) He uses the quote, “You and I have a assignation with fortune”(Reagan 5)
ii)His utilization of the repetition in his speech conveys to people that they have
the capacity as well as dignity to make a better decision that can determine
their destiny
Secondly, the use of hyperbole in Reagan's speech, it is an effective element in Reagan's speech since it evokes strong feelings among the audience. It is also able to create or establish an impression since it conveys emphasis in the speech
a) Reagan explains to the audience how the government uses different bureaus to
perform a particular program in the county
i) This is clear when he says, “government programs once implemented, they vanish”(Reagan 4)
ii) Reagan makes humor and tries to connect some key challenges people
experience mainly when the government makes promises they cannot achieve.
b) Reagan applies hyperbole rhetoric technique to critics the federal government
30-odd plans
i) “We realized that we will spend each year on room and board for every
young people we assist 4,700 dollars a year” (Reagan 20)
ii) Reagan can utilize factual statement to imply or relate hyperbole with how the
whole government is not assisting the youth as required.
Thirdly, Reagan applies allusion, rhetoric element in the speech. The allusion is an important element in this speech since it helps the audience to visualize with what is happening around them.
a) Reagan uses allusion when he applies many American Revolution examples.
i)This is evidence when he is quoted saying, “This is the matter with this election: Incase we consider it in our capability for independence or incase we discard the American rebellion and acknowledge the less rational elite”(Reagan 4)
ii) The statement is a good example of the illusion to the thirteen colonies within the British rule and lacking proper presentation in the government during the early times.
b) Reagan applies allusion when he provides an example to the audience on ways the government interferes and also hurts the American people and makes allusion to their past about what the government wants.
i) It is evidence when he says, “an uncomfortable feeling that this affluence is not
a matter on which we are able to place our hopes for the future”(Reagan 4)
ii) This quote demonstrates how Reagan uses allusion in his speech to connect
with the audience in the best way possible
Conclusively, Reagan makes a good argument with his speech He uses several rhetorical elements such as hyperbole, allusion and repetition to ensure his speech is effective. Most of the rhetoric elements play a crucial role in making sure his speech is delivered and understood by the audience.
Works Cited
Reagan, Ronald. A Time for Choosing. Los Angeles, CA. 27 Oct. 1964. Address.
