Rhetorical Analysis Of Alfred M. Green's Speech

600 Words2 Pages

In 1861 African Americans were not permitted to join the Union Army, however, Alfred M. Green’s speech encourages them to enlist when they are able to do so. Green is aware of the hesitation by the African Americans. So he anticipates their counterarguments, by making some concessions agreeing with their feeling of being mistreated. He then begins his call to action urging his listeners to enlist when they can. Once he makes his main argument Green appeals to their emotions to evoke a sense of patriotism in African Americans. Both the second and third paragraph introduce Green’s use of concessions. Throughout his speech Green uses “we” and “us” to remind them that they are in the same situation, and he shares their frustration. He also uses the phrase “it is true” throughout is speech when acknowledging the bitter truth that racial discrimination oppresses them. In the second paragraph Green recognizes illustrious Americans George Washington and …show more content…

Green encourages his audience to help “overthrow” the oppressive government of the South. That plan to “build a stronger tyrant system of slavery” and threaten to force all African Americans into slavery. Green quotes the Confederacy to worry his listeners with an idea of what might happen if the South defeats the Union. He also asks his listeners to wish for a brighter future, where they will “create anew” their “claims upon the justice and honor of the Republic.” Green offers an image of an improved country will equality for all. But first, they have to defeat the enemy. He ends by appealing to his audience’s sense of patriotism by declaring the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, those of “justice and equality for all men” and reminding the African Americans what the United States is founded

Open Document