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Rhetorical Analysis: Margaret Thatcher’s Eulogy for Ronald Reagan
*I wrote this all out at once like the AP exam so it gets more understandable towards the end*
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher gave a eulogy for former US president Ronald Reagan to the American people highlighting his positive attitude, grace in politics during the Cold War, and firm resolve and faith in his country. Thatcher used positive word choice to describe Reagan, personal anecdotes to reveal parts of his life, and showed Reagan as an American first and President second in order to personalize Reagan for the American people.
Thatcher employs positive word choice throughout Reagan’s eulogy to personalize it and make it relatable to the American people. Reagan was not only a close friend to Thatcher, but he was a leader on the world stage, with his actions constantly being critiqued by others. Through describing Reagan as a man with “cheerful resolve”, “firm resolve”, and “grace of a deeper kind”, Thatcher is able to re-define Reagan’s legacy for the American people. Many of his actions during the Cold War gathered widespread doubt among Americans: could Reagan be a good President? Was he fit for the job? Thatcher aims to re-evaluate his aptness for presidency through examining him as a person with “firm and unyielding resolve” and American “large-hearted magnanimity”. “His policies had a freshness and optimism that won converts from every class and every nation, and ultimately, from the very heart of the ‘evil empire.’ (P1)” The character traits that Thatcher mentions throughout the eulogy are the things that made him the best American to represent his country during the Cold War. His “optimism” and “freshness” are what gave him the ability to unite American during such a divisive time.
As the eulogy continues, Thatcher begins to pull in personal anecdotes to give Americans a different perspective on their former president. Thatcher sees Reagan as an incredible man, and wants American to see him this way as well. “I cannot imagine how any diplomat or any dramatist could improve on his words to Mikhail Gorbachev at the Geneva summit. “Let me tell you why it is we distrust you.” Those words are candid and tough, and they cannot have been easy to hear. But they are also a clear invitation to a new beginning and a new relationship that would be rooted in trust.” This was a confidential summit, and many people in the world would have never known about this interaction if they hadn’t seen it for themselves. As she shares these kinds of personal anecdotes, she is better able to connect with her audience when she makes Americans see Reagan as a person rather than a president. Thatcher is able to share extremely personal information about Reagan, “Ronnie himself certainly believed that he had been given back his life for a purpose. As he told a priest after his recovery, ‘Whatever time I’ve got left now belongs to the big fella upstairs.’ (P2)” What he said is relatable to many Americans and including it in his eulogy helps Thatcher to describe Reagan. Sharing these kinds of stories in the middle of the eulogy sets the audience up with a better picture of Reagan as a person, and allows her to discuss that next.
Thatcher concludes the eulogy by talking about Reagan as an American. “When [Reagan’s] allies came under Soviet or domestic pressure, they could look confidently to Washington for firm leadership, and when his enemies tested American resolve, they soon discovered that his resolve was firm and unyielding.” He had his own resolve, but also the resolve of America because he was American. Being American was part of his identity and it allowed him to face the world and fight for what his country believed in. Thatcher uses his identity as an American to make him a person for the American people, rather than a president. Thatcher leaves America with the responsibilty of Reagan’s legacy, “Therein lies perhaps the final explanation of his achievements. Ronald Reagan carried the American people with him in his great endeavours because there was perfect sympathy between them. He and they loved America and what it stands for: freedom and opportunity for ordinary people.” She argues that the people of America were always a part of Reagan, and they made him the president that he was. In saying these things, Thatcher is able to honor Reagan through the American people.
As Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher stood in front of millions of Americans on June 11th, 2004 she had one goal: make the world see former US President Ronald Reagan as a person. She wanted to honor his legacy through making him an American, returning him to what he was before world power. She wanted to personalize him, make him understandable, relatable to her audience. Thatcher used positive word choices throughout the eulogy to command respect for Reagan, personal anecdotes in the middle of her speech to paint a picture of the Reagan he knew and loved, and concluded by solidifying his impact as an American on his people in order to personalize the former president for Americans.
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Margaret Thatcher Ronald Reagan Eulogy Rhetorical Analysis
“It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of President Ronald Reagan. He was a true friend of Britain and one of the most influential leaders of our time.
President Reagan will be remembered for his tireless efforts to bring freedom and democracy to the world. His leadership helped to end the Cold War and brought about a new era of cooperation between East and West.
I was proud to have worked closely with President Reagan on these issues, and our friendship was based on a shared commitment to advancing liberty.
President Reagan will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
There are frequently figureheads in history who become well-known and distinguished from their peers, not just because of their policy or political leanings, but also due to their attitude and long-term impact; Reagan and Thatcher, two highly controversial yet legendary Western political leaders of the 1980s, exemplify this reputation.
The world was a different place during their reigns, as the Cold War threatened to tear the globe apart and Reaganomics/Thatcherism were beginning to take shape. These were two very different leaders with very different ideologies, yet they shared a mutual respect for one another that was unrivaled by any other international political relationship of their time.
President Reagan once said of Margaret Thatcher, “She is without a doubt one of the finest leaders our country has ever produced…I will miss her dearly.” When Thatcher passed away in 2013, Reagan’s wife Nancy asked Margaret Thatcher’s daughter Carol to deliver a eulogy on behalf of the family at Lady Thatcher’s funeral service, which took place at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Thatcher’s eulogy of Reagan is a beautiful tribute to a man who she respected deeply, and served as a reminder to the world of the significant impact that he had on both her life and legacy.
“Ronald Reagan was a true visionary, not only for America but for the entire world. His commitment to liberty and freedom helped to bring down the Iron Curtain and end the Cold War. He will be remembered as one of our greatest Presidents.” – Margaret Thatcher, Eulogy of President Ronald Reagan, June 11, 2004.
In 2004, to commemorate one of her closest friends and his unrivaled strategies as the 40th President of the United States, Margaret Thatcher delivered a eulogy for Ronald Reagan written from the perspective of a close friend rather than just a diplomat. In this tearful and heartfelt tribute, Thatcher recounts Reagan’s life and relationship in such a way that not only gave individuals an inside look at their personal connection but also made them feel like they knew him personally.
Thatcher starts off by talking about how Reagan had a “greatness” about him, which is something that can be said about very few people. She goes on to say that his greatness did not come from his humble beginnings or from his wealth and power, but rather from his character and convictions. Thatcher then talks about how Reagan was a man of his word and how he always stuck to his principles, no matter what.
She talks about how he was always looking out for the best interests of the American people and how he always had their best interests at heart. Thatcher then goes on to talk about how Reagan was always looking out for the world and how he always tried to make it a better place.
She talks about how he was a great leader and how he always inspired others to be their best. Thatcher then talks about how Reagan was always there for her, even when she was going through tough times. She talks about how he was a great friend and how she will miss him dearly.
Thatcher’s tribute to Reagan is effective in generating genuine feeling and a sense of credibility from her worldwide, most likely grieving audience. From the start, Thatcher enthralls her global viewers with his genuine feelings about Ronald Reagan, stating, “We have lost a great president, a great American, and a great guy” (1-2).
The delivery of great president, great American, and great man in succession immediately grabs the attention of listeners and causes them to reflect on their own personal definition of greatness. In other words, Thatcher’s opening statement asks her audience to think about what made Reagan a great leader not just in America, but across the globe.
Simultaneously, Thatcher also begins to establish her credibility to speak on behalf of Reagan through the use of inclusive language such as the pronoun “we” in “we have lost…” (1). The pronoun we unites Thatcher with her international audience by making them feel as if they are grieving alongside her. Furthermore, Thatcher employs pathos throughout her eulogy by sharing several anecdotes that paint Reagan in a relatable and sympathetic light.
She first describes a moment during the Falklands War when she received a call from Reagan in the middle of the night. Thatcher recalls being surprised that he would be up so late and even more so that he would be thinking about her during such a difficult time. This small detail not only humanizes Reagan, but it also makes him seem like a concerned friend checking in on Thatcher during her time of need.
Thatcher then goes on to recount another personal story about Reagan involving his love for jelly beans. According to Thatcher, every time she would visit him in the Oval Office, he would have a jar of jelly beans waiting for her. This simple act of kindness made their professional relationship feel more personal and special.
By sharing these intimate stories, Thatcher is able to connect with her audience on a deeper level and evoke an emotional response. Overall, Thatcher’s eulogy for Reagan is both touching and sincere. She does an excellent job of highlighting his positive qualities as a leader while also providing insight into his personal life that makes him seem more relatable. In doing so, Thatcher effectively honors Reagan’s legacy and leaves listeners with a lasting impression.
Thatcher’s Eulogy of President Ronald Reagan was both touching and sincere, invoking emotion from her global audience. She did an excellent job of highlighting his positive qualities as a leader while also providing intimate insight into his personal life that made him seem more relatable. In doing so, Thatcher effectively honored Reagan’s legacy and left listeners with a lasting impression.
President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, was eulogized by Margaret Thatcher. Thatcher managed to invoke emotion from her global audience by sharing intimate details about Reagan’s personal life in addition to highlighting his positive qualities as a leader. As a result, Thatcher left listeners with a lasting positive impression of Reagan.
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Here is the video clip of Margaret Thatcher's Eulogy for Ronald Reagan. Scroll down for the transcript.
In his lifetime, Ronald Reagan was such a cheerful and invigorating presence that it was easy to forget what daunting historic tasks he set himself. He sought to mend America’s wounded spirit, to restore the strength of the free world, and to free the slaves of communism.
These were causes hard to accomplish and heavy with risk, yet they were pursued with almost a lightness of spirit, for Ronald Reagan also embodied another great cause, what Arnold Bennett once called "the great cause of cheering us all up". His policies had a freshness and optimism that won converts from every class and every nation, and ultimately, from the very heart of the "evil empire." Yet his humor often had a purpose beyond humor. In the terrible hours after the attempt on his life, his easy jokes gave reassurance to an anxious world. They were evidence that in the aftermath of terror and in the midst of hysteria one great heart at least remained sane and jocular. They were truly grace under pressure. And perhaps they signified grace of a deeper kind.
Ronnie himself certainly believed that he had been given back his life for a purpose. As he told a priest after his recovery, "Whatever time I’ve got left now belongs to the big fella upstairs." And surely, it is hard to deny that Ronald Reagan’s life was providential when we look at what he achieved in the eight years that followed. Others prophesied the decline of the West. He inspired America and its allies with renewed faith in their mission of freedom. Others saw only limits to growth. He transformed a stagnant economy into an engine of opportunity. Others hoped, at best, for an uneasy cohabitation with the Soviet Union. He won the Cold War, not only without firing a shot, but also by inviting enemies out of their fortress and turning them into friends. I cannot imagine how any diplomat or any dramatist could improve on his words to Mikhail Gorbachev at the Geneva summit. "Let me tell you why it is we distrust you." Those words are candid and tough, and they cannot have been easy to hear. But they are also a clear invitation to a new beginning and a new relationship that would be rooted in trust. We live today in the world that Ronald Reagan began to reshape with those words. It is a very different world, with different challenges and new dangers. All in all, however, it is one of greater freedom and prosperity, one more hopeful than the world he inherited on becoming president. As Prime Minister, I worked closely with Ronald Reagan for eight of the most important years of all our lives. We talked regularly, both before and after his presidency, and I’ve had time and cause to reflect on what made him a great president. Ronald Reagan knew his own mind. He had firm principles and, I believe, right ones. He expounded them clearly. He acted upon them decisively. When the world threw problems at the White House, he was not baffled or disorientated or overwhelmed. He knew almost instinctively what to do. When his aides were preparing option papers for his decision, they were able to cut out entire rafts of proposals that they knew the old man would never wear. When his allies came under Soviet or domestic pressure, they could look confidently to Washington for firm leadership, and when his enemies tested American resolve, they soon discovered that his resolve was firm and unyielding. Yet his ideas, so clear, were never simplistic. He saw the many sides of truth. Yes, he warned that the Soviet Union had an insatiable drive for military power and territorial expansion, but he also sensed that it was being eaten away by systemic failures impossible to reform. Yes, he did not shrink from denouncing Moscow’s evil empire, but he realized that a man of good will might nonetheless emerge from within its dark corridors. So the president resisted Soviet expansion and pressed down on Soviet weakness at every point until the day came when communism began to collapse beneath the combined weight of those pressures and its own failures. And when a man of good will did emerge from the ruins, President Reagan stepped forward to shake his hand and to offer sincere cooperation. Nothing was more typical of Ronald Reagan than that large-hearted magnanimity, and nothing was more American. Therein lies perhaps the final explanation of his achievements. Ronald Reagan carried the American people with him in his great endeavors because there was perfect sympathy between them. He and they loved America and what it stands for: freedom and opportunity for ordinary people. As an actor in Hollywood’s golden age, he helped to make the American dream live for millions all over the globe. His own life was a fulfillment of that dream. He never succumbed to the embarrassment some people feel about an honest expression of love of country. He was able to say "God bless America" with equal fervor in public and in private. And so he was able to call confidently upon his fellow countrymen to make sacrifices for America and to make sacrifices for those who look to America for hope and rescue. With the lever of American patriotism, he lifted up the world. And so today, the world - in Prague, in Budapest, in Warsaw and Sofia, in Bucharest, in Kiev, and in Moscow itself, the world mourns the passing of the great liberator and echoes his prayer: God bless America. Ronald Reagan’s life was rich not only in public achievement, but also in private happiness. Indeed, his public achievements were rooted in his private happiness. The great turning point of his life was his meeting and marriage with Nancy. On that, we have the plain testimony of a loving and grateful husband. "Nancy came along and saved my soul." We share her grief today, but we also share her pride and the grief and pride of Ronnie’s children. For the final years of his life, Ronnie’s mind was clouded by illness. That cloud has now lifted. He is himself again, more himself than at any time on this Earth, for we may be sure that the Big Fellow upstairs never forgets those who remember him. And as the last journey of this faithful pilgrim took him beyond the sunset, and as heaven’s morning broke, I like to think, in the words of Bunyan, that "all the trumpets sounded on the other side." We here still move in twilight, but we have one beacon to guide us that Ronald Reagan never had. We have his example.
Let us give thanks today for a life that achieved so much for all of God’s children.
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Eulogy writing guide, funeral speeches for a work colleague, tribute speech to dad from daughter, funeral speech writing advice, what rhetorical devices does margaret thatcher use in her eulogy to ronald reagan.
- February 19, 2024
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the rhetorical devices used by Margaret Thatcher in her eulogy for Ronald Reagan. Thatcher, a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, delivered an eloquent eulogy on June 11, 2004 that memorialized Reagan, the 40th US president, in a powerful and moving way. By examining the various rhetorical devices used in her speech, we can better understand what made her words so impactful and how they contributed to the larger narrative of Reagan's life and legacy.
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Table of Contents
An Overview of Rhetorical Devices
3. anaphora, 4. antithesis, 5. metaphor, 6. parallelism, margaret thatcher's use of rhetorical devices in her eulogy for ronald reagan, frequently asked questions.
Rhetorical devices are techniques that speakers and writers use to create persuasive, engaging, and memorable messages. They can help a speaker appeal to the audience's emotions, logic, and values, which in turn makes the message more impactful. In the case of eulogies, effective use of rhetorical devices can help the speaker pay tribute to the deceased person and celebrate their life and achievements in a meaningful way.
Thatcher effectively establishes her credibility and authority right at the beginning of her eulogy when she mentions that she was Reagan's "fellow pilgrim" on the journey of leadership during the Cold War era. This emphasizes her close relationship with Reagan, which in turn makes the audience more receptive to her insights about him.
Thatcher's eulogy often appeals to the emotions of the audience, a rhetorical device known as pathos. For example, she describes Reagan's "unshakable belief" in the goodness of America and how it made an "impossible" dream possible – the end of the Cold War. This evokes feelings of pride and admiration for Reagan's accomplishments and character.
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Anaphora is a rhetorical device that involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Thatcher uses this technique when she repeats the phrase "Ronald Reagan knew..." to discuss his convictions, beliefs, and understanding of important issues. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and emphasis, highlighting the key points that Thatcher wants to convey about Reagan's character.
Antithesis involves juxtaposing contrasting ideas to create emphasis and impact. Thatcher employs this rhetorical device when she says, "It is perhaps difficult for those who did not live through those years to realize how total the transformation was. But the contrast between the stagnation of the 1970s and the energy of the 1980s was vivid and dramatic to those who lived through both." This contrast highlights the difference Reagan made during his presidency and reinforces his accomplishments.
Thatcher uses several metaphors throughout her eulogy to create stronger imagery and impact. For instance, she refers to Reagan as a "great liberator" who helped bring down the Berlin Wall and end the Cold War. This metaphor elevates Reagan's role and paints a vivid image of his impact on world events.
Parallelism involves constructing sentences or phrases in a similar structure for balance and emphasis. Thatcher uses this technique when she says, "Ronald Reagan was a man of paradox: a conviction politician preserving tradition, a warrior for peace, a believer in the might of the individual, and a savior of democracy." This balanced and symmetrical structure effectively emphasizes the complexity of Reagan's character and legacy.
What Rhetorical Devices Does Margaret Thatcher Use In Her Eulogy To Ronald Reagan Example:
Below is an excerpt from Margaret Thatcher's eulogy for Ronald Reagan, demonstrating her use of rhetorical devices:
"We have lost a great president, a great American, and a great man. And I have lost a dear friend. In his lifetime, Ronald Reagan was such a cheerful and invigorating presence that it was easy to forget what daunting historic tasks he set himself. He sought to mend America's wounded spirit, to restore the strength of the free world, and to free the slaves of communism." "...Ronald Reagan knew that America was not the problem; America was the solution. He knew that Soviet communism was not some romanticized model for the future, but rather a failed and discredited experiment destined for history's ash heap." "...He had the unique combination of being both tough and tender. His trumpet might call to arms, but his tune was soft, low, sweet, and plaintive. He was, indeed, a great liberator."
What is a rhetorical device?
A rhetorical device is a technique that an author or speaker uses to convey a message with the goal to persuade the audience. These devices may utilize language, stories, analogies, or other means to achieve the desired effect.
Why are rhetorical devices important in speeches?
Rhetorical devices are crucial in speeches because they help to catch the audience's attention, make the argument more convincing, and enhance the overall impact of the message. They can also help to make the speech more memorable.
What type of eulogy did Margaret Thatcher deliver for Ronald Reagan?
Margaret Thatcher's eulogy for Ronald Reagan was commemorative, focusing on celebrating his life and achievements. It was designed to pay respects to his memory and provide comfort to those mourning his passing.
Which rhetorical devices did Thatcher commonly use?
Margaret Thatcher was known for using various rhetorical devices such as repetition, emotional appeals, anecdotes, contrast, and rhetorical questions to enhance her messaging and persuade her audience.
Can you provide an example of repetition in Thatcher's eulogy?
Yes, in Thatcher's eulogy, she repeated the phrase "Ronald Reagan" to emphasize his personal impact and the deep loss felt by his passing. The repetition serves to keep the focus on his legacy throughout the speech.
How did Thatcher use emotion in her rhetoric?
Thatcher elicited emotion by sharing personal anecdotes and expressing her deep admiration and respect for Ronald Reagan, effectively creating a connection with the audience and humanizing the subject of her eulogy.
What is the purpose of using anecdotes in a speech?
Anecdotes serve to capture the audience's interest, provide a relatable context, and illuminate the character and values of the subject. They make the speech more engaging and relatable.
Did Thatcher's eulogy include any contrasts?
Yes, Thatcher used contrasts to draw a stark comparison between the world before and after Ronald Reagan's influence. It highlighted the transformative impact of his leadership and policies.
How do rhetorical questions enhance a eulogy?
Rhetorical questions engage the audience, prompting them to think deeply about the subject and reinforce the speaker's message. They do not require a response, but encourage reflection on the points made.
Can rhetoric be overused?
Yes, if used excessively or inappropriately, rhetorical devices can become overwhelming, appear manipulative, or undermine the speaker's credibility. It's essential to use them judiciously to maintain the speech's effectiveness.
Did Thatcher use any specific quotes from Reagan in her eulogy?
Margaret Thatcher referenced Reagan's own words to illustrate his vision and ideals. This lent authenticity to her speech and allowed the audience to reminisce about Reagan in his own voice.
How important is pacing in delivering a speech with rhetorical devices?
Pacing is extremely important. It helps to maintain audience attention and allows the speaker to emphasize key points. Effective use of pauses and changes in speed can enhance the impact of rhetorical devices.
Did Thatcher use any literary references in her eulogy?
Literary references can provide a rich layer of context and meaning in a speech. Thatcher subtly incorporated these to appeal to a broader audience and to evoke a more profound sense of culture and history.
Why is the use of ethos significant in a eulogy?
Establishing ethos, or credibility, is essential in a eulogy because it reinforces the speaker's authority and sincerity. This is particularly significant when honoring a public figure, as it lends weight to the speaker's commemoration.
What role does pathos play in Thatcher's eulogy?
Pathos, or emotional appeal, plays a central role in Thatcher's eulogy by creating an empathetic connection with the audience. It helps the audience to not just understand, but also feel the significance of Reagan's legacy.
How did Thatcher personalize her tribute to Reagan?
Thatcher personalized her tribute by sharing personal stories, observations, and her emotional response to Reagan's death. This established a sense of intimacy and personal loss that many in the audience could share in.
What is the importance of invoking shared values in a eulogy?
Invoking shared values helps to unify the audience and relate the significance of the deceased's character and actions to broader human experiences and ideals. It draws the listener into a collective sense of appreciation and remembrance.
How effective is vivid imagery in a eulogy?
Vivid imagery can be highly effective in a eulogy as it paints a picture in the audience's minds, making the speech more engaging and memorable. It can bring stories and achievements to life, allowing the audience to visualize them clearly.
How might a speaker like Thatcher balance solemnity with celebration in a eulogy?
A speaker balances solemnity with celebration by weaving together the acknowledgment of the loss and the celebration of the achievements and legacy of the individual. The tone typically shifts from respectful and somber to one of tribute and admiration.
In what ways did Thatcher's eulogy reflect her own political stance?
Margaret Thatcher's political stance was reflected in her eulogy through her admiration for Reagan's policies and leadership style. While the eulogy was about Reagan, her own beliefs came through by emphasizing shared ideologies and triumphs.
What is the takeaway message from Thatcher's rhetorical style in the eulogy?
The takeaway from Thatcher's rhetorical style in the eulogy is the power of words to capture the essence of a person's life and legacy. Careful choices in language, structure, and delivery can profoundly affect the audience, leaving a lasting impression of the subject's impact.
Now that we have explored the rhetorical devices that Margaret Thatcher utilized in her eulogy for Ronald Reagan, we can better appreciate what made her tribute so powerful and memorable. Crafting a eulogy requires both eloquence and a deep understanding of the deceased, something that Thatcher demonstrated flawlessly. If you are seeking guidance or inspiration for your own eulogy, Eulogy Assistant can help you create a personalized and impactful tribute to your loved one. Share this article with others who may find it insightful, and explore our guides on eulogy writing, funeral planning, and more at Eulogy Assistant .
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Eulogy to the Great Liberator National Cathedral, Washington, D.C., June 11, 2004 We have lost a great president, a great American, and a great man. And I have lost a dear friend. In his lifetime Ronald Reagan was such a cheerful and invigorating presence that it was easy to forget what daunting historic tasks he set himself. He sought to mend America's wounded spirit, to restore the strength of the free world, and to free the slaves of communism. These were causes hard to accomplish and heavy with risk. Yet they were pursued with almost a lightness of spirit. For Ronald Reagan also embodied another great cause - what Arnold Bennett once called `the great cause of cheering us all up'. His politics had a freshness and optimism that won converts from every class and every nation - and ultimately from the very heart of the evil empire. Yet his humour often had a purpose beyond humour. In the terrible hours after the attempt on his life, his easy jokes gave reassurance to an anxious world. They were evidence that in the aftermath of terror and in the midst of hysteria, one great heart at least remained sane and jocular. They were truly grace under pressure. And perhaps they signified grace of a deeper kind. Ronnie himself certainly believed that he had been given back his life for a purpose. As he told a priest after his recovery `Whatever time I've got left now belongs to the Big Fella Upstairs'. And surely it is hard to deny that Ronald Reagan's life was providential, when we look at what he achieved in the eight years that followed. Others prophesied the decline of the West; he inspired America and its allies with renewed faith in their mission of freedom. Others saw only limits to growth; he transformed a stagnant economy into an engine of opportunity. Others hoped, at best, for an uneasy cohabitation with the Soviet Union; he won the Cold War - not only without firing a shot, but also by inviting enemies out of their fortress and turning them into friends. I cannot imagine how any diplomat, or any dramatist, could improve on his words to Mikhail Gorbachev at the Geneva summit: `Let me tell you why it is we distrust you.' Those words are candid and tough and they cannot have been easy to hear. But they are also a clear invitation to a new beginning and a new relationship that would be rooted in trust. We live today in the world that Ronald Reagan began to reshape with those words. It is a very different world with different challenges and new dangers. All in all, however, it is one of greater freedom and prosperity, one more hopeful than the world he inherited on becoming president. As Prime Minister, I worked closely with Ronald Reagan for eight of the most important years of all our lives. We talked regularly both before and after his presidency. And I have had time and cause to reflect on what made him a great president. Ronald Reagan knew his own mind. He had firm principles - and, I believe, right ones. He expounded them clearly, he acted upon them decisively. When the world threw problems at the White House, he was not baffled, or disorientated, or overwhelmed. He knew almost instinctively what to do. When his aides were preparing option papers for his decision, they were able to cut out entire rafts of proposals that they knew `the Old Man' would never wear. When his allies came under Soviet or domestic pressure, they could look confidently to Washington for firm leadership. And when his enemies tested American resolve, they soon discovered that his resolve was firm and unyielding. Yet his ideas, though clear, were never simplistic. He saw the many sides of truth. Yes, he warned that the Soviet Union had an insatiable drive for military power and territorial expansion; but he also sensed it was being eaten away by systemic failures impossible to reform. Yes, he did not shrink from denouncing Moscow's `evil empire'. But he realised that a man of goodwill might nonetheless emerge from within its dark corridors. So the President resisted Soviet expansion and pressed down on Soviet weakness at every point until the day came when communism began to collapse beneath the combined weight of these pressures and its own failures. And when a man of goodwill did emerge from the ruins, President Reagan stepped forward to shake his hand and to offer sincere cooperation. Nothing was more typical of Ronald Reagan than that large-hearted magnanimity - and nothing was more American. Therein lies perhaps the final explanation of his achievements. Ronald Reagan carried the American people with him in his great endeavours because there was perfect sympathy between them. He and they loved America and what it stands for - freedom and opportunity for ordinary people. As an actor in Hollywood's golden age, he helped to make the American dream live for millions all over the globe. His own life was a fulfilment of that dream. He never succumbed to the embarrassment some people feel about an honest expression of love of country. He was able to say `God Bless America' with equal fervour in public and in private. And so he was able to call confidently upon his fellow-countrymen to make sacrifices for America - and to make sacrifices for those who looked to America for hope and rescue. With the lever of American patriotism, he lifted up the world. And so today the world - in Prague, in Budapest, in Warsaw, in Sofia, in Bucharest, in Kiev and in Moscow itself - the world mourns the passing of the Great Liberator and echoes his prayer "God Bless America". Ronald Reagan's life was rich not only in public achievement, but also in private happiness. Indeed, his public achievements were rooted in his private happiness. The great turning point of his life was his meeting and marriage with Nancy. On that we have the plain testimony of a loving and grateful husband: `Nancy came along and saved my soul'. We share her grief today. But we also share her pride - and the grief and pride of Ronnie's children. For the final years of his life, Ronnie's mind was clouded by illness. That cloud has now lifted. He is himself again - more himself than at any time on this earth. For we may be sure that the Big Fella Upstairs never forgets those who remember Him. And as the last journey of this faithful pilgrim took him beyond the sunset, and as heaven's morning broke, I like to think - in the words of Bunyan - that `all the trumpets sounded on the other side'. We here still move in twilight. But we have one beacon to guide us that Ronald Reagan never had. We have his example. Let us give thanks today for a life that achieved so much for all of God's children.
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COMMENTS
makes in her eulogy. The essay begins with a . AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION 2016 SCORING COMMENTARY . Question 2 . Overview . This year's "Rhetorical Analysis Question" asked students to evaluate the rhetorical strategies used in a piece of epideictic rhetoric, specifically a eulogy to Ronald Reagan given by Margaret Thatcher. As ...
Thatcher concludes the eulogy by talking about Reagan as an American. "When [Reagan's] allies came under Soviet or domestic pressure, they could look confidently to Washington for firm leadership, and when his enemies tested American resolve, they soon discovered that his resolve was firm and unyielding.". He had his own resolve, but also ...
In Margaret Thatcher's eulogy speech for Ronald Reagan (2004), she elucidates what a kind and powerful man he was, unifying a formerly divided nation. Margaret expresses that Reagan's leadership was the key to ending The Cold War. She adopts a solemn and sentimental tone in order to appeal to the american people after the death of one of ...
Rhetorical Analysis Of Margaret Thatcher's Speech. Margaret Thatcher, the British Prime Minister at the time, gave a eulogy to the grieving American people in honor of the late Ronald Reagan on June 11th, 2004. In her speech, Thatcher used rhetorical techniques to show the strength and principles of Reagan and project those values onto the ...
M argaret T hatcher. M. argaret. T. hatcher. We have lost a great President, a great American, and a great man. And I have lost a dear friend. In his lifetime, Ronald Reagan was such a cheerful and invigorating presence that it was easy to forget what daunting historic tasks he set himself. He sought to mend America's wounded spirit, to ...
Rhetorical Analysis Of Margaret Thatcher's Eulogy. Decent Essays. 347 Words. 2 Pages. Open Document. Margaret Thatcher, the former British Prime Minister, reflected on the benign qualities of President Ronald Reagan, with whom she worked closely with in office, in her eulogy to the American public. Her purpose was to emphasize Reagan's ...
President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, was eulogized by Margaret Thatcher. Thatcher managed to invoke emotion from her global audience by sharing intimate details about Reagan's personal life in addition to highlighting his positive qualities as a leader. As a result, Thatcher left listeners with a lasting positive impression of Reagan.
Here is the video clip of Margaret Thatcher's Eulogy for Ronald Reagan. Scroll down for the transcript. It follows the full text transcript of Margaret Thatcher's Eulogy for Ronald Reagan, delivered via pre-taped video at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. - June 11, 2004. We have lost a great president, a great American, and a great man ...
Analysis. Thatcher seems to invite us to share the grief of those who loved Reagan: "The great turning point of his life was his meeting and marriage with Nancy. On that, we have the plain testimony of a loving and grateful husband. 'Nancy came along and saved my soul.'. We share her grief today" (Thatcher 2004).
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the rhetorical devices used by Margaret Thatcher in her eulogy for Ronald Reagan. Thatcher, a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, delivered an eloquent eulogy on June 11, 2004 that memorialized Reagan, the 40th US president, in a powerful and moving way.
Margaret Thatcher, the British Prime Minister at the time, gave a eulogy to the grieving American people in honor of the late Ronald Reagan on June 11th, 2004. In her speech, Thatcher used rhetorical techniques to show the strength and principles of Reagan and project those values onto the American people.
Ronald Reagan, the former 40th president of the United States died on June 5th of 2004. A couple of days later on the 11th, Margaret Thatcher the former Prime Minister of Great Britain, wrote an eulogy for Ronald Reagan. In this eulogy, Thatcher uses rhetorical strategies to convince her readers into believing what she states.
The death of Ronald Reagan signified the loss of an idol to the American people. Reagan is legacy of charm and optimism still exists today in the hearts of many Americans. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher memorializes this in her 2004 eulogy through the use of caricature, parallelism, and emotionally charged language.
thatcher revised final essay - Free download as Word Doc (.doc / .docx), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Margaret Thatcher used parallelism, pathos, and logos in her eulogy for Ronald Reagan to emphasize his accomplishments and argue that he was an underrated but honorable president. She repeatedly used phrases like ...
Download. In her 2004 eulogy honoring former US president Ronald Reagan, former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher distinguishes Reagan as not only a great president but a great American and man. By shedding light on Reagan's ability to unite a previously divided nation, Thatcher describes Reagan's leadership and character through ...
Margaret Thatcher's Rhetorical Analysis. Decent Essays. 614 Words. 3 Pages. Open Document. June 11th, 2004, Margaret Thatcher, Great Britain's former prime minister, gave a eulogy for Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher had worked together often during his presidency from 1981-1989. In the respectful and reminiscent eulogy ...
Margaret Thatcher's Eulogy to Ronald Reagan. Eulogy to the Great Liberator. National Cathedral, Washington, D.C., June 11, 2004. We have lost a great president, a great American, and a great man. And I have lost a dear friend. In his lifetime Ronald Reagan was such a cheerful and invigorating presence that it was easy to forget what daunting ...
In Reagan's eulogy Thatcher uses pathos to unite herself with the audience, through the mutual feelings of grief and sorrow over losing a friend. In the opening lines of the eulogy Thatcher creates pathos by using diction. In lines one and two Thatcher said that a "Great President…. Great American…. Great man…." has died.
We have lost a great president, a great American, and a great man, and I have lost a dear friend. In his lifetime, Ronald Reagan was such a cheerful and invigorating presence that it was easy to forget what daunting historic tasks he set himself. He sought to mend America's wounded spirit, to restore the strength of the free world, and to ...
Get your custom essay on. " Rhetorical Analysis: Margaret Thatcher Eulogy to Ronald Reagan ". The tone Thatcher had in the eulogy isn't constantly genuine. Her tone is thoughtful yet influential, and is found all through the article. 'We have lost an incredible president, an extraordinary American, and an incredible man, and I have lost a ...
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725 Words3 Pages. On June 11, 2004, Margaret Thatcher spoke the eulogy recognizing Ronald Reagan 's life. In the proud and sentimental eulogy honoring Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher utilizes ethos, personification, and symbolism in order to direct the American citizens to who Ronald Reagan truly was and did for America.
In 2004, Margaret Thatcher, the former prime minister of Great Britain, wrote a eulogy for former president Ronald Reagan. In this eulogy, she recounts the life and accomplishments of Reagan and recalls him as "a great president, a great American, and a great man.". Thatcher eloquently describes Ronald Reagan and his imprint on America in ...