What is the author arguing?
The author, which in this case is Dwight Eisenhower, giving his farewell address. Eisenhower's farewell address included the warning of the misusage power of the miltary. He starts his speech off by stating the biggest goal of the country, which was "keeping the peace," preventing wars. Eisenhower goes on to say that if we fail to spot out any arrogance, the whole purpose of keeping the peace will be ruined. He had two main concerns that could possibly disturb the peace, maintaining the peace of our miltary and maintaining the balance, which also involves the element of time. While mentioning the military, he states, "In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. Through that quote, he is stating that if the military was to get ahold of the wrong kind of power, all peace will be threatened. Eisenhower mentions the maintaining balance of time, he states that we, America, should try to avoid just living for today but live also for the "precious resources of tomorrow."
How does the authur appeal to logos (logic), pathos (emotional quality), and ethos (the writer's perceived character) with their argument?
Eisenhower uses a significant amount of pathos, the way that he worded his speech makes whomever reading or hearing the speech truly believe in his words. The way that he describes the "peace," he makes readers and listeners to believe that through the wars, America truly kept the peace. How he addresses the audience as his fellow "countrymen," it's as if he is trying to make the audience believe that he speaking to them as friends, or aquaintances. He also seems to be upset to having to step down from his position as he states that he was very happy to be able to accomplish so much with the congress. Eisenhower also uses ethos, he was warning us through his own character, what he thought could and would happen.
What is the historical significance/relevance of this document?
The historical significance of this document is that first of all, it is Eisenhower's farewell address, but it was also his last warning to the country that if the miltary was to get in the wrong hands of power, all peace would be destroyed.
Do you find the author's argument convincing? Why or why not?
I find the author's argument convincing mostly because the large amount of pathos that he uses. The words in his speech would truly make you believe that you are his fellow American, and that you are his friend. The way he describes everything in his address truly makes you believe that he cares about the wellbeing of the country even if he is stepping down as president.
I thought your text analysis was very good. When Eisenhower wrote this speech it is interesting that the Cold War was at its peak during this time. This speech was a reflection of Eisenhower’s thoughts and concerns and things that he believed that may arise such as the red scare which was communism and he basically wanted to inform Americans what lays ahead. During his presidency he gained a lot of ground on the nuclear weapon development over the communist threat and he warns that the nation and the next presidents should be well aware of the dangers that nuclear weapons could create for the nation. He used his own failures to stress the point of disarmament when he states that "As one who knows that another war could utterly destroy this civilization which has been so slowly and painfully built over thousands of years ... I wish I could say tonight that a lasting peace is in sight." It was very moving and intense speech because he used his own experiences as reference that warned Americans that they should avoid the war or it would end in complete destruction. Although his speech focused on disarmament he also pointed out about developing scientific and technology for the future and to fight for democracy. I felt that his speech was more of guide for the future presidents and America to follow in order to stay free and avoid destruction.
ReplyDeleteGood job on your text analysis. Eisenhower's speech showed how much he feared for america's future and that we really needed to do something. He says "i pray that the coming will be blessed with peace and prosperity for all". it shows how no one knew what tomorrows future would hold and he talks about that how we should not just think about today but also the coming future. That we need to focus on what's important and make sure our future is very secure.
ReplyDeleteNice job on the TA. Your answer to number one had the main points of the argument and I liked the way you used and explained quotes. In about every 3 to 5 sentences the reader/listener could tell that he is getting ready to leave. In these sentences you could also notice how he tries to convince the next president to pick up where he left off. Overall the main goal that is noticed throughout the Farewell Address is that he mentions how important it is to stay out of war. Like when he says: "I wish I could say tonight that a lasting peace is in sight".
ReplyDeleteYour summary was great. I agree that he uses a lot of pathos in this speech which I think works for him. It leaves people with a sense that someone great is leaving office. His speech also suggests the qualities that people should look for in there next president. There are many great phrases in this speech about plundering resources, building military reserves, a proper balance and possible consequences of imbalance of power. I feel this speech in one of the best given by a president.
ReplyDeleteGood text analysis! It was very enjoyable and easy to read. I also agree with you and Priya about how Eisenhower uses a lot of pathos in his adress. But I think the reasoning behind it is because of the fact that he wanted the people to support what he was saying and it's easier to persuade people by using emotions. I would also agree that it is very convincing.
ReplyDeleteI agreed with many of your points in your TA. The only thing that I found when re reading the last few sections of the farewell was that I was not completely convinced by Eisenhower's address. He sounds sad to leave, happy about what he has done, but very worried about America. Almost as if he knows something that we dont and he cannot share it with us. It starts right about the part where he says "We want democracy to survive for all generations to come, not to become the insolvent phantom of tomorrow". It came very abrupt to me as the first part of his address was more hopeful and upbeat.
ReplyDeleteOverall, good TA. I really enjoyed your answer to number one. It was clear and I agree with you that he was saying about America and time. How they should not be living for just the day, but to think about tomorrow. This is great advice that carries over even today. However, I fully didn't understand this statement, "Eisenhower also uses ethos, he was warning us through his own character, what he thought could and would happen." Details or facts to support this statement would have be more helpful.
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