Rhetorical Device:
George Washington's Farewell Address
Ethos- (argument by character)
- Washington considered a 'Farewell Address' for years
- Thankful for the opportunity to serve
- Unites the audience, "The name of American, which belongs to you..."
- Takes nations domestic goals & problems personally
- Declare the United States' neutrality
- Gets right to the point
Rhetorical Device:
Pathos- (argument by emotion)
- Embodies the core belief that would help the nation
- Alexander Hamilton removed the "bitterness"
Historical Background:
- Love & appreciation for the United States & their allowance for him to be president
- Strikes fear in the audiences heart when Washington says that the citizens are responsible for holding the nation together
- Pleaded for political & social neutrality
- "One of the greatest documents in American history"
- In 1796, President George Washington decided not to seek reelection
- Began drafting his farewell address
- Numerous drafts due to Alexander Hamilton's suggestions
- 32 page handwritten document
- George Washingtons warned against:
- Polotical parties
- Foreign Alliances
- Printed in Philadelphia's American Daily Advertiser on September 19, 1796
Rhetoroical Device:
Logos- (argument by logic)
- Thoughts & criticism changed the future
- Washington didn't like the idea of political parties
- "Honesty is always the best policy; I repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary & would be unwise to extend them."
- Washington stressed that National Unity formed the bedrock of "collective and individual happiness for US citizens."
- Unity brought improvements to every region & union
- Leaders' duty must be connected in all human concerns