Rhetorical Devices
This device repeats the same phrase at the beginning of multiple sentences, as in “Yesterday...”, “Yesterday...”
What is anaphora?
The primary purpose of FDR’s speech.
What is to persuade Congress to declare war?
Date FDR gave the speech.
What is December 8, 1941?
Appeal used when FDR talks about “innocent lives lost.”
What is pathos?
Type of diction used in “a date which will live in infamy.”
What is elevated diction?
FDR uses “hostile action,” “deliberate deception,” and “premeditated invasion.” This device repeats similar meanings.
What is repetition or similar diction? (or even scesis onomaton)
FDR’s tone when stating that “no matter how long it may take us… the American people… will win through to absolute victory.”
What is confident or determined?
Country that launched the surprise attack FDR refers to.
What is Japan?
Appeal used when FDR lists specific territories attacked.
What is logos?
The speech uses short, clear sentences. This is a feature of this stylistic element.
What is syntax?
In “a date which will live in infamy,” FDR uses this device to emphasize emotional weight through connotation.
What is loaded diction or pathos?
FDR builds trust by reminding us he’s doing this as our elected leader.
What is ethos?
The name FDR gave to the day of the attack.
What is “a date which will live in infamy”?
FDR builds credibility by emphasizing his constitutional role.
What is ethos?
FDR appeals to the senses by describing surprise and destruction. This is an example of what?
What is imagery?
FDR excludes conjunctions in a list of nations attacked.
What is asyndeton?
FDR’s tone at the very beginning of the speech.
What is somber or grave?
Two other countries attacked by Japan the same day.
What are Malaya and the Philippines (or Hong Kong, Guam, etc.)?
“With confidence in our armed forces…” appeals to this emotion.
What is hope or pride (pathos)?
FDR’s repetition of “the Japanese government…” followed by different actions is this strategy.
What is parallel structure?
This repetition device appears when FDR ends multiple sentences with “by the Japanese Empire.”
What is epistrophe?
FDR’s closing tone and how it appeals to national unity.
What is resolute, inspirational, or patriotic?
This is why FDR stresses that Japan "deliberately sought to deceive."
What is to show betrayal and justify war?
Why FDR’s speech is largely logical and restrained.
What is to appear rational and presidential? (Ethos & Pathos)
The rhetorical mode used most heavily in the speech.
What is persuasion/argumentation?