Intention

Nelson Mandela’s inaugural speech is a celebratory political speech that focuses on themes like change, equality, and freedom in relation to the end of the apartheid regime in South Africa and the organisation of the first democratic elections which led to the speaker becoming the President of the country.

Nelson Mandela’s overall intention with the speech is to motivate and inspire the audience to look at South Africa’s future and his presidency with hope and optimism. This is first noticeable from the speaker’s use of positive words like: “celebrations” (l. 4), “glory and hope to new-born liberty” (l. 5), “a glorious life” (l.13), “beautiful country” (l. 18), or “joy and exhilaration” (l. 24).

Additionally, the speaker uses ethos, appealing to the audience’s trust and encouraging action: “Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.” (ll. 99-101)

Within this overall goal, the speaker also pursues specific aims in relation to the themes he explores.

When the speaker talks about change, his intention is to...