Here are the two last paragraphs from a famous speech delivered by Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the House of Commons on 4 June, 1940. In the speech, Churchill vows that Britain will never surrender to an invasion. Show
LK20 Show competence goals Sir Winston Churchill is remembered for his powerful speeches and broadcasts, particularly those delivered during the Second World War. Yousuf Karsh Use image Context of the speechThe speech was given after the evacuation of Dunkirk in World War II, when 338,000 allied troops that had been pinned down by German forces were brought safely from France to Great Britain. Churchill reported about the event to the House of Commons, and he also used the speech to appeal for assistance from the United States. This speech has come to represent the resolve with which the British met Germany's attempted invasion. It has been used in countless films and TV series about the war. It is often presented as having had a rallying effect on the British, uniting them in their resolve to defend their country. However, the speech was not broadcast until after the war, though it was referenced in the newspapers. Link to the full speechIf you want to read the full speech, you can find it by doing an internet search or by following this link to the International Churchill Society: Link to the International Winston Churchill Society: the speech ' We Shall Fight Them on the Beaches' Soldiers who have been evacuated from Dunkirk arrive in Dover. Puttnam, Malindine, The War Office, UK Use image We shall fight them on the beaches(...) I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone. At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty’s Government-every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation. The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength. Soldier spotting fighter planes over London. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Use image Tasks:Write:Write a rhetorical analysis of the excerpt from the speech. Pay special attention to ethos and kairos. In 'related content' you will find a resource about rhetorical analysis. Research:Work in groups. Choose one of the tasks. Share your findings in a suitable format, for example as an audio recording, podcast, presentation, written report, or film.
Related contentHow do you get what you want by just using words? And how are you able to see that people are trying to persuade you into doing something? |