30 pages • 1 hour read
Franklin Delano RooseveltFour Freedoms Speech
Nonfiction | Essay / Speech | Adult | Published in 1941A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Literary Devices
Allusion
In Paragraph 6 of his speech, President Franklin D. Roosevelt uses the literary device of allusion—a reference to a well-known event, character, or literary work—to strengthen his argument against isolationism. By alluding to the quarter century of wars following the French Revolution, he draws upon historical events to provide context and support his point about the United States’ opposition to isolation. The reference to the French Revolution and its aftermath shows that the nation has consistently been involved in global affairs, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to engaging with the world in support of democracy.
Roosevelt’s use of this allusion serves as a reminder of the historical significance of the US’s role in international relations and emphasizes the need for continued involvement to protect democracy. By referencing a prior period of intense conflict, he underscores the importance of actively opposing isolationism and promoting cooperation among nations. This allusion allows Roosevelt to invoke a sense of historical continuity and emphasize that the US has a history of involvement in global events.
Furthermore, by referring to the wars following the French Revolution, Roosevelt suggests that isolationism is not a viable or effective approach in a rapidly changing world. He implies that the US cannot retreat behind its borders but must actively engage with other nations to uphold democratic values and ensure peace and stability.
Rhetorical Questions
In his speech, President Roosevelt effectively utilizes rhetorical questions to engage the audience and provoke thoughtful reflection. For example, in Paragraph 5, he asks, “Do the people of the world want freedom or not?” By employing this rhetorical question, Roosevelt aims to involve the audience and stimulate their critical thinking.
The rhetorical question serves as a call to action, prompting the audience to contemplate their own stance on freedom. It challenges them to examine their beliefs and values, compelling them to consider whether they genuinely desire freedom and are willing to sacrifice for it. By engaging the audience in this manner, Roosevelt reinforces the importance of individual responsibility in the fight for freedom. He emphasizes that the collective pursuit of freedom relies on the choices and actions of individuals. The rhetorical question serves as a means to rally support and commitment, urging the audience to align themselves with the cause of freedom and take an active role in its realization.
Furthermore, the rhetorical question evokes a sense of urgency and emphasizes the moral imperative of the fight for freedom. By posing the question, Roosevelt implies that the answer should be obvious and self-evident, suggesting that freedom is a fundamental human right that should be universally desired. In doing so, he encourages the audience to reflect not only on their personal commitment to freedom but also on the broader implications of its absence in various parts of the world.
