Rhetorical devices

Metaphor 

Metaphors are one of the rhetorical devices often used by Jacinda Ardern in her “Harvard Commencement Speech – Democracy, disinformation and kindness”. 

For instance, Ardern describes Harvard University as a “great forest of knowledge” (l. 10). This metaphor creates a feeling of majesty and connection. The knowledge is shared among everyone, and everyone is a part of the “greatness” of it. This opening metaphor therefore is a lead-up to the speaker’s first topic – of feeling connected to others.

Ardern also often uses figurative language to describe the threats to democracy. For instance:

If we don’t find a way to ensure difference, that space where perspectives, experiences and debate give rise to understanding and compromise, doesn’t instead become division – the place of entrenchment, where dia...