Rhetorical Analysis of MacArthur’s Duty Honor Country

1268 Words3 Pages

For a united nation to prosper, its people must overcome obstacles and take on numerous responsibilities. Throughout our lives, there are problems occurring continually in our world related to war and combat. During these times of hardship, we must remind ourselves to persevere and continue to defend the country. In addressing the Sylvanus Thayer Award on May 12, 1962, at the city of West Point, New York, General Douglas MacArthur urged Americans to remember the major responsibilities we have as Americans in his speech Duty, Honor, Country. With a position of authority, MacArthur powerfully stated that America will only survive through winning wars and fulfilling our duties. His main priority was to defend the nation, respect the nation, and prosper in that vast nation, otherwise remarked as three key terms: duty, honor, and country. Through the use of rhetorical devices, MacArthur expresses the theme that Americans should defend the country sturdily and carry on its numerous objectives by means of his moral code: “Duty, Honor, Country”. While addressing a powerful statement for our nation’s survival, MacArthur illustrates our need to use the moral code in order to overcome the difficulties and obstacles in winning wars and allowing the nation to persevere. His message reveals a long list of tasks to conquer by his use of parallelism: “We speak in strange terms: of harnessing the cosmic energy; of making winds and tides work for us… of mining ocean floors…of space ships to the moon”. The various tasks needed to fulfill expose a need for a nation with citizens of respectful and courteous intentions towards the nation, in which MacArthur believes is required for his moral code. Major improvements and advancements, which a nation r... ... middle of paper ... ...must continue to win wars and defend the nation as MacArthur longed for. Through the moral code, we must stay honorable to the country and serve our roles efficiently on behalf of a continually growing united nation. With the belief of fulfilled duties, commendable honor, and our American nation applied, we must exist as General MacArthur desired: strong, peaceful, and honoring. With the moral code instituted into our lives, a way to achieve successful, satisfied lives will be established, leading to a greater and far more superior nation. Works Cited Davis, William. "General Douglas MacArthur "Duty, Honor, Country"." American Rhetoric. American Rhetoric, 2011. Web. 2 Jan 2012. . MacArthur, Douglas. “Duty, Honor, Country.” Sylvanus Thayer Award Acceptance. West Point, NY. 12 May, 1962.

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