Soapstone
40’s literature
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Published in 1945
Native Son by Richard Wright
Published in 1940
Soapstone
Subject: Franklin Delano Roosevelt made an official announcement of what the
United States as a whole should do to take action against the Japanese Empire, since
they had declared war against us. Throughout the entire speech he makes sure to
say “our nation” or “our whole nation”, and he then says “ I believe that I interpret
the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend
ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery
shall never again endanger us.” Making sure that the audience knows that he truly
believes he is making the choice that every American wanted him to make,
emphasizing that he is the leader of our country and he knows what is best for us.
Occasion: Franklin Delano Roosevelt addressed the audience about his concerns and
plans for what to do next after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. He said in his
speech “Yesterday, December 7th, 1941- a date which will live in infamy- the United
States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of
the Empire of Japan.” He addressed his audience in Washington, D.C. .
Audience: He addresses his audience right at the beginning of his speech saying,
“Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and the House of
Representatives.” He recited his motives in front of this particular audience because
he is making sure they are aware that he is giving the order that the United States is
a war with the Empire of Japan.
Purpose: He makes it very clear in his speech that he is “rallying the troops”. He
made this especially evident when he said, “No matter how long it may take us to
overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might
will win through to absolute victory.” In addition to making that very clear he also
declares war countless times in his speech when he says, “... a state of war has
existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”. He also said
“Hostilities exist.” saying that as a fact, which represented logos, while the rest of his
speech was completely pathos.
Speaker: Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States of
America.
Tone: He said so many impactful things especially when “rallying the troops”, such
as, “There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests
are in grave danger.” “With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding
determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph- so help us God.”
When using the phrase “so help us God.” It should be a plead but in the way he
delivers that, it sounds more of a promise to the American people. He was also
straight and to the point about what was going on and what needed to happen in
order to defend ourselves.
