Rhetorical Analysis State of the Union
Ben Osborn
Sir Johnson
English 12
13 February 2013
State of the Union Rhetorical Analysis
Message – Obama stated many issues ranging from the war in Afghanistan to gun violence in America but really focused on one subject in particular. His main message was about our economic growth and how we can improve it. He stated that we need “a rising, thriving middle-class” to help America’s economic growth. He wants to provide Americans with middle-class jobs without increasing our country’s deficit.
Purpose – The purpose of the State of the Union Address was so we can get an update and an understanding of Obama’s strategies for our country. He provided a demand list for Congress and everything he wants to improve. Obama mentioned, "Every day, we should ask ourselves three questions as a nation: How do we attract more jobs to our shores? How do we equip our people with the skills needed to do those jobs? And how do we make sure that hard work leads to a decent living?” I believe this was the main purpose of this speech because it’s a densely discussed problem in America.
Voice – As opposed to his other addresses, Obama’s tone was a bit different. To me, his tone towards his audience was very aggressive and declarative. I thought it would’ve been a bit more exploratory but the jist of it was that his mind is made up about everything he is trying to change. He basically said that we need to work as a whole, or our nation will simply start to crumble.
Audience - It seemed that this speech was intended to address the American people and Congress but I have a different idea. When Obama started discussing education issues he had said something so simple that has such a deep meaning. “Lets also make sure that a high school diploma puts our kids on a path to a good job.” I believe he is talking to my generation specifically because we are the future and we need to obtain jobs that will help with our economic growth in the future.
Pathos – “The
Sir Johnson
English 12
13 February 2013
State of the Union Rhetorical Analysis
Message – Obama stated many issues ranging from the war in Afghanistan to gun violence in America but really focused on one subject in particular. His main message was about our economic growth and how we can improve it. He stated that we need “a rising, thriving middle-class” to help America’s economic growth. He wants to provide Americans with middle-class jobs without increasing our country’s deficit.
Purpose – The purpose of the State of the Union Address was so we can get an update and an understanding of Obama’s strategies for our country. He provided a demand list for Congress and everything he wants to improve. Obama mentioned, "Every day, we should ask ourselves three questions as a nation: How do we attract more jobs to our shores? How do we equip our people with the skills needed to do those jobs? And how do we make sure that hard work leads to a decent living?” I believe this was the main purpose of this speech because it’s a densely discussed problem in America.
Voice – As opposed to his other addresses, Obama’s tone was a bit different. To me, his tone towards his audience was very aggressive and declarative. I thought it would’ve been a bit more exploratory but the jist of it was that his mind is made up about everything he is trying to change. He basically said that we need to work as a whole, or our nation will simply start to crumble.
Audience - It seemed that this speech was intended to address the American people and Congress but I have a different idea. When Obama started discussing education issues he had said something so simple that has such a deep meaning. “Lets also make sure that a high school diploma puts our kids on a path to a good job.” I believe he is talking to my generation specifically because we are the future and we need to obtain jobs that will help with our economic growth in the future.
Pathos – “The