Lou Gehrig Farewell

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Lou Gehrig's farewell speech stands as one of the most memorable moments in sports history. Faced with the reality that this illness would end his career and ultimately his life, Gehrig’s purpose was to express gratitude for the life he had led, rather than focus on his misfortune. To convey this message, Gehrig made important rhetorical choices, including the use of anaphora and antithesis, which both underline his themes of gratitude and resilience. Utilizing these techniques, Gehrig connects with the audience on an emotional level, reinforcing his message of appreciation for his life and relationships. Gehrig’s use of anaphora highlights the blessings in his life, despite his illness. Gehrig repeats the phrase “When you have.” at the beginning …show more content…

Gehrig’s ability to focus on the good things in his life, even as he confronts a terminal illness, reinforces the theme of resilience. Additionally, Gehrig further exemplifies antithesis when he mentions the rivalry with the New York Giants: “...New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat...”. By juxtaposing this competition with the gesture of receiving a gift from them—“When the New York Giants.sends you a gift - that’s something”—Gehrig underscores the significance of such acts of kindness amidst rivalry. Through this rhetorical approach, Gehrig not only enhances the emotional resonance of his speech but also inspires the audience to adopt a similar outlook in their own lives. His use of antithesis highlights the theme of resilience, demonstrating how he stays strong and optimistic in what might otherwise be a moment of distress. Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech exemplifies the use of rhetorical devices to convey a powerful and emotional

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