Franklin D. Roosevelt's inaugural address

Definition

Franklin D. Roosevelt's inaugural address, delivered on March 4, 1933, marked the beginning of his presidency during the Great Depression. This address is notable for its powerful rhetoric, including the famous line, 'the only thing we have to fear is fear itself,' which aimed to instill hope and confidence in a struggling nation. Roosevelt's use of language in this address effectively utilized various literary techniques, including alliteration and assonance, to create a memorable and impactful message.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Roosevelt's inaugural address was delivered during one of the most challenging economic periods in American history, emphasizing unity and resilience.
2. The speech is known for its conversational tone, which helped connect with everyday Americans and made the message feel more relatable.
3. Roosevelt's use of alliteration in phrases like 'the warm winds of change' enhanced the rhythmic quality of his speech and made key points more memorable.
4. In addition to assonance, Roosevelt employed repetition throughout the address to reinforce his main themes and galvanize public support.
5. The address set a tone for Roosevelt's New Deal policies, signaling a shift toward greater government intervention in the economy.

Review Questions

• How does Franklin D. Roosevelt's use of alliteration contribute to the overall impact of his inaugural address?
  • Roosevelt's use of alliteration in his inaugural address adds a musical quality to his speech, making it more engaging and memorable for listeners. By repeating consonant sounds in phrases like 'the warm winds of change,' he emphasizes key ideas while creating a rhythmic flow that captures attention. This technique helps reinforce the hopeful message he aims to convey during a time of crisis, ultimately making his words resonate more deeply with the audience.
• Analyze how Roosevelt employs assonance in his inaugural address and its effect on the speech's emotional tone.
  • In his inaugural address, Roosevelt uses assonance to create a sense of unity and reassurance through vowel sound patterns. This repetition of vowel sounds enhances the emotional tone by adding a lyrical quality that evokes feelings of hope amidst despair. For instance, the assonance found in phrases can soften the harsh realities faced by Americans during the Great Depression, fostering an atmosphere conducive to healing and collective effort toward recovery.
• Evaluate the significance of rhetorical devices like alliteration and assonance in shaping public perception during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency.
  • Rhetorical devices such as alliteration and assonance played a crucial role in shaping public perception during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency by making his speeches more impactful and relatable. These devices not only enhanced the memorability of his messages but also helped establish an emotional connection with citizens facing uncertainty and hardship. By employing these techniques effectively, Roosevelt was able to inspire confidence and action among the American people, thereby laying the groundwork for his New Deal policies aimed at recovery and reform.

Related terms

Rhetoric: The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, often utilizing figures of speech and other compositional techniques.

Metaphor:

A figure of speech that directly refers to one thing by mentioning another for rhetorical effect, often used to create vivid imagery or convey complex ideas.

Emphasis:

A rhetorical technique that involves stressing particular words or phrases to highlight their importance and influence the audience's perception.