Guest Blogger: Adrianne Curtis

Tropes and Schemes in Politics
While studying tropes and schemes, we have been examining how they are used in the Constitution, as well as John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address. Looking more into politics, it is noted that these techniques are not just limited to these two writings. While looking at president Obama’s inauguration speech, it can be noted that he uses many of these techniques. In one of his quotes, “on this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord,” president Obama uses the technique of asyndeton. By using this rhetorical scheme, it shows power, which is something people want in a leader. Also, in another one of Obama’s statements, “for us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth. For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn,” the use of anaphora is prominent. By using this technique, it emphasizes the fight for freedom that the settlers of our nation have had, which also establishes pathos in his speech. By using these techniques, Obama’s purpose of getting the people of the nation to believe in a better future through his leadership is less difficult to believe. In my opinion, the use of rhetorical devices in political writings and speeches helps create dominance in the leader, as well as intelligence. By using these techniques, it helps the people better see what their leader has in store for the nation in a way that flows better and helps portray the main points of the speech or writings in a better way.