Rhetorical Analysis Pearl Harbor Speech

The attack on Pearl Harbor is on the relatively short list of atrocities committed on the U.S. or organized incorporated U.S. territories, along with other tragedies such as the September 11th attacks. Considering these hardships do not occur very frequently in America, the natural reaction of the citizens is extreme, leaving political leaders and powerful figures to calm the chaos. The 32nd U.S. President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt executed this task on December 8th, 1941. He gave his “Pearl Harbor Address” informing the public about the attacks Japan had made the previous night. The event resulted in 2,402 deaths and the US entrance into World War II (Tampa Bay Times). He uses a confident and patriotic tone in order to reach his audience
He lists off the recent of attacks by Japan by stating, “Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island” (Roosevelt ). Through the repeating of the phrase “last night, the Japanese attacked…” Roosevelt creates a sense of urgency and seriousness, and makes it extremely clear who is at fault. By reiterating the idea that the attacks were simultaneous and purposeful, he appeals to pathos, making his audience of American citizens feel anger and fear towards their new enemy. The repetition of the words also demonizes Japan and makes the enemy and intent clear, the time for action is now. Since the reader can easily identify Japan's aggressive and voluntary attacks, the justification of declaring war on them is evident. The use of anaphora demonstrates the necessity of retribution. Roosevelt discloses that Japan should and will not decamp of penalty. This, along with his confident and stern tone is enough to make the American citizens believe in his decision to declare war but also see that it is