A Rhetorical Analysis Of Hillary Clinton's Arguments

An effective argument has many layers: the main point or claim, the supporting details, and the manner in which these elements are presented. To analyze a written work is to go beyond the surface meaning of the argument, pull apart the pieces, and determine how each piece adds to the overall argument. Examining the function of these pieces and how they work together can give an audience incite to why an argument is or is not effective. The audience is also able to decipher author’s intention. An author may be appealing to a certain audience or attempting to evoke a specific emotion to further his or her argument. By using logical and ethical audience appeals, phrase repetition, and historical references, Hillary Clinton argues the necessity

of equal rights for all women in “Remarks to the U.N. 4th World Conference on Women Plenary Session.”
On September 5, 1995, Hillary Clinton, First Lady of the United States at the time, delivered a speech at the U.N.

4th World Conference in Beijing, China on the issue of women’s rights. Clinton addresses issues faced by young girls and women all around the world. These issues include the denial of basic rights such as freedom of speech, rights to certain protections, access to education, and involvement in political decisions. Another issue Clinton addresses is the widespread violation and abuse of women and girls. Clinton also affirms the impact of women on children, families, and communities. Clinton speaks for all women being abused, oppressed, or denied rights. Clinton urges men and women around the world to take action to fight the injustices and violence against women, voicing that the issue requires immediate

action.
In “Remarks to the U.N,” Clinton employs logos or the appeal to an audience’s reason and intellect to explain that women being treated unequally and unjustly is illogical. By presenting factual or logical information, Clinton persuades her audience to see the reasoning behind her argument. Emphasizing the woman’s role in a family, Clinton reasons, “If we take bold steps to better the lives of women, we will be taking bold steps to better the lives of children and families too.” It is not only wrong to oppress women for moral reasons, but it also impacts these women’s children and the family unit as a whole. Clinton’s audience is led to understand that as long as women are treated unequally to men, children and families will suffer consequences as well. Similarly, she claims, “[W]hen families flourish, communities and nations do as well.” Women being violated and denied their rights does not only have an impact on individual homes, but also affects neighborhoods, cities, and countries as well. By presenting the reasoning that the success of a nation is dependent on families and the success of a family is dependent on women, Clinton shows that women’s rights are a national problem that affects all humanity.
Furthermore, Clinton examines the effects that result due to women not having a say in decisions impacting them: “[W]hen women are excluded from the political process, they become even more vulnerable to abuse.” By not allowing women to be included in decisions affecting their livelihood, women are left defenseless.

Clinton’s audience is left understanding the necessity of women’s involvement in voting and lawmaking in order to improve and protect the lives of women. Clinton then asserts, “[W]omen’s rights are human rights.” It is only logical that women, as human beings, should have the basic rights entitled to everyone. This conclusion guides her audience to see that there is no sensible explanation for denying a woman her rights. Through her use logic and reason, Clinton is able to further her argument that women need equal rights and opportunities for their own protection and for the improvement of families and

countries.
Clinton uses ethos or the credibility of a speaker to give listeners a reason to trust and believe her. Clinton recounts her experience in working to achieve equal rights and end violence against women, thereby showing her audience that she has put much of her own time and effort into the cause. In her speech, Clinton illustrates her role in the fight for women’s rights: “Over the past 25 years, I have worked persistently on issues relating to women, children, and families.” Clinton has been involved in women’s rights for a majority of her life, showing her audience that she is so she is knowledgeable and passionate about the subject that she is passionate about. Discussing her continued involvement, Clinton reveals, “Earlier today, I participated in a World Health Organization forum….Tomorrow, I will attend a gathering of the United Nations Development Fund for Women.” Clinton is working persistently to improve the lives of women all around the globe. Clinton also mentions the hard-working women that she has spoken to all over the world repeating the phrase, “I have met….” She has traveled all around speaking to women who work hard every day in their villages and towns, but their work goes unrecognized. Clinton demonstrates to her audience that she is not simply talking about what needs to be done, but is invested in the cause and working to create change.
Clinton utilizes phrase repetition to call attention to specific sections of her speech and to emphasize her claim. When discussing what will happen when women are treated justly and given rights to health, education, and work, Clinton repeats the phrase “...their families will flourish.” She emphasizes the impact of women on families. Clinton repeats the “I have met...” while describing the hard-working women she has met in her travels whose efforts are often ignored. Through repeated use of this phrase, Clinton stresses the persevering nature of these women and that, whether they are trying to support their family or trying to make a difference in their community, they are leaving an impact. Clinton calls off a long list of injustices and cruelties against women that are simply inhuman repeating the phrase “It is a violation of human rights when...” before each violation. The repetition of this phrase adds emotion and emphasis to her claim making sure each atrocious violation is something Clinton’s audience will not easily forget. Clinton is able to establish her claims in her audience’s mind by emphasizing that women are essential to children and communities and are not protected from cruelty.
Clinton includes historical allusions or brief references to past events to allow her audience to see change is possible and has been accomplished before. Clinton reminds listeners of the success of another women’s conference remarking, “Wasn’t it after all -- after the women’s conference in Nairobi ten years ago that the world focused for the first time on the crisis of domestic violence.” The conference in the past had a lasting effect and brought light to another problem affecting women, so this conference could also have a lasting impact. Clinton makes an allusion to the Women’s Suffrage movement in America. She emphasizes, “It took 72 years of organized struggle...on the part of many courageous women and men.” This demonstrates that change is feasible if women and men come together and are willing put in the effort as it is not a quick and easy process. Clinton also references World War II: “[W]e have also been reminded, in the V-J Day observances last weekend, of the good that comes when men and women join together to combat the forces of tyranny and to build a better world.” Men and women came together to fight against injustice and in the end, the injustice was defeated. Clinton demonstrates that as seen in the past, change is possible and that the goal of equal rights for all women is achievable if men and women come together and take a stand against the injustices affecting women.
By analyzing Hillary Clinton’s speech it is evident that her argument is made effective through her use of rhetorical devices. Each element of the speech works together to form Clinton's powerful argument, which demands that women's rights cannot be ignored or viewed separately from human rights. Clinton’s carefully thought out language leaves a long-lasting impact on her audience.