Steinmeier Rhetorical Analysis

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Seventy-five years ago, the world witnessed one of history’s most sinister and destructive regimes collapse. May 8, 1945 marks the date of the long-awaited end of the Nazi’s control over Germany. On the 75th anniversary of this turning point, a powerful speech was delivered by German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier, reminding us of the state of Germany’s moral collapse and external isolation and comparing it to the current issues of Covid-19. In his speech, Steinmeier’s use of rhetoric accomplishes his objective to acknowledge Germany’s guilt and journey of liberation and compares the modern world challenges and his commitment to global unity and cooperation by using juxtaposition and imagery to address today’s issues. Steinmeier employs imagery to illustrate Germany’s significant struggle after World War II by effectively highlighting the nation’s defeat. …show more content…

Germany suffered military defeat, political and economic ruin, and moral collapse. We had made enemies of the entire world.” By using the phrases, military defeat, political and economic ruin, and moral collapse, this imagery provides a powerful picture of Germany’s situation in 1945. Steinmeier appeals to the audience’s emotions, highlighting the difficulties and obstacles in rebuilding a shattered nation. This emotional appeal helps connect with the gravity of past struggles and reinforces the significance of the progress achieved over the years in developing pathos. He uses these past hardships to display the importance of understanding history to appreciate the advancements toward a united effort and democratic values. Analyzing the past, he moves to today arguing the same mindset of coming together and working as a team is essential for handling the Covid-19 pandemic. Just as Germany overcame its post-war effects by sticking together and

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