Britain
declared war on Germany on September 3rd, 1939, after promising to
if Germany attacked Poland. That following year, Winston Churchill, former
Prime Minister of Britain, was appointed to lead his country in a time of grief.
Specifically, on May 13th, 1940, Churchill gave a speech entitled, Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat, in which
he informed the cabinet that he only had his ambition to fight against the
Germans, but he was willing to use it all. In the speech, Churchill employs triumphant
diction and anaphora in order to prepare the British people for a long battle. As
Britain heads in to a time of certain loss, it is Churchill’s diction, ordering
for victory, which aids to the British people. After summarizing the roles of
the House, Churchill says, “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and
sweat” (Churchill 4). In other words, Churchill does not have the objectives a
war, such as weaponry and extreme physical strength; however, he does have the
most valuable subjective to succeeding in war, which is mental power. He is
honest in his speech, and hopes that his people will fight with all they have,
even if it is just the right mind set. In addition to a more fearless message,
Churchill also attempts to be realistic with his people by informing them of
the road that lies ahead. Using anaphora of “we have before us” he says, “We
have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many,
many long months of struggle and of suffering” (Churchill 5). In order to
prepare people for an event, especially one that involves great physical and
mental endurance, they must know the circumstances. Furthermore, the repetition
here emphasizes Churchill’s straightforward briefing, while also implying that
the country will work together as one united front. Thus, Churchill’s purpose in
informing his people is reached because throughout the war, Britain fought
their hardest, and achieved their goal of victory.
Visual: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8TlkN-dcDCk/maxresdefault.jpg
Caption: "Road to Victory (full of blood, toil, tears and sweat)"
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