Rhetorical Question

According to American Rhetoric a rhetorical question occurs when a "Figure which asks a question, not for the purpose of further discussion, but to assert or deny an answer implicitly; a question whose answer is obvious or implied."
An example of this would be "Some have asked, 'How could you have the United States Senate vote on Judge Thomas' nomination and leave Senators in the dark about Professor [Anita] Hill's charges?' And to this I answer, 'How can you expect us to have forced Professor Hill against her will into the blinding light which you see here today."
-- Joseph R. Biden

Note: Here is a case of dueling rhetorical questions. The first rhetorical question whose answer is implicit is responded to by a second rhetorical question whose answer is equally implicit.

FDR’s Declaration of War, Dec. 8, 1941 Speech Analysis

Who is the speaker, what are their qualifications and biographical background especially relevant to this speech?

The speaker is former President Franklin Roosevelt. As President it is his duty to to be commander in chief of the armed forces of the United States. This speech is aimed at convincing the congress to declare war on the empire of Japan. As the President he suggests that the War be declared in retaliation to the attack on pearl harbor.

Franklin Roosevelt had been riding on the pacifist bandwagon for his campaigns, he was elected because He had said that he did not want to get involved in a foreign war. After the attack on pearl harbor Roosevelt could no longer stand by and watch as the world tore itself apart in war.

Why are they speaking at this time? Historical context of the speech? What do you think is the purpose of the speech?

The President is speaking at this time because the United States has Just been attacked, thousands of american soldiers have been killed, and many american navel vessels have been sunk. He is speaking at this time to convince the congress that war is now inevitable.

The historical context of this speech is when the face of the map is about to change, Japan has been attacking many countries around the island of Japan such as China. When Japan attacks pearl harbor it will signal a change in the direction of the war. President Roosevelt speaks to change the minds of the american people to get support for the long road ahead.

Discuss the sentence structure. Length? Sentence types

The sentence structure varies throughout out the speech but the average amount of words per sentence is 23. There is a part of the speech where the president lists off what attacks Japan has carried out against some of the american colonies.

The different types of sentence include short lists, a formal greeting, and there is a very short tow word sentence that FDR uses to clarify and solidify his point, "Hostilities exist." This short sentence to make the point that it cannot be denied that the future was going to be different.

Pathos, How does He stir emotion?

The words, "Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy" creates a solum attitude the the audience is expecting. The presidents goes on to explain that the United States was tricked by japan and was attacked without reason. He also speaks about the loss of life that has occurred on the day before. Simply stating these facts pulls at the heartstrings of the american people, the way he speaks gives him the trust of the american people and their emotions are on his side. By the time He asks the congress to declare war on Japan he has already made them feel both anger toward Japan and confidence in the armed forces of the United States.

Ethos. What does he do to enhance his credibility with audience?

The way that President Roosevelt starts his speech gives him a lot of credibility. He is very formal, he address the speaker of the house and the vice president. The tone that FDR takes is solum and serious. He is the leader of the United States and because of this he has a certain natural confidence and charisma. As a leader people want to follow him, with the attack on Pearl Harbor the job of declaring war is already halfway done, all FDR has to do is say We declare war and people will follow.

How does he or she visualize the future?

The way that FDR envisions the future is that the United States will triumph due to their righteous might. He implies that he does not know how long this war will take but with confidence in the armed forces victory is inevitable. FDR also looks toward a future where this kind of threat will never again endanger the American people.