Final answer:
John Brown's 'Last Speech' incorporates the rhetorical devices of ethos, pathos, and logos to create a persuasive argument. Ethos builds credibility, pathos appeals to emotions, and logos uses logical reasoning to convince the audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rhetorical Devices in John Brown's 'Last Speech'
John Brown's 'Last Speech' can be analyzed for its use of the rhetorical devices of ethos, pathos, and logos. Ethos is leveraged by a speaker's credibility, emphasizing an authoritative voice that fosters trust within the audience. For instance, by aligning oneself with patriotic ideals, a speaker can invoke ethos to appear more trustworthy concerning solutions for America's challenges.
Pathos appeals to the audience's emotions, and it can be seen when a speaker uses strong words that elicit fear or concern about valued issues such as the destruction of nature. This method seeks to provoke an emotional response—such as fear—towards a particular situation.
Finally, logos relies on the use of logical reasoning, presenting factual information, and reasonable examples as the foundation of an argument. Skilled writers often couple logos with other strategies, like pathos, to strengthen their persuasion effectiveness. Offering a balanced mix of emotional and logical appeals can significantly influence the audience's acceptance of the presented arguments.
Cultural aspects are also touched upon in rhetoric. Addressing the need for a cultural shift to enhance the country's future signifies the strategic use of ethos to appeal to societal beliefs and values. Furthermore, a smooth transition between paragraphs, such as using phrases indicating a shift in focus, provides clarity in the flow of the argument and maintains the audience's engagement.