I denne study guide finder du hjælp til at analysere talen “Their Finest Hour” af Winston Churchill fra 1940. Ud over hjælp til analysen finder du også et summary samt input til perspektivering af talen.
Ethos
Churchill relies on ethos when he appeals to his authority as Prime Minister. He appears trustworthy and knowledgeable, but also humble, like the following example shows: “Let each man search his conscience and search his speeches. I frequently search mine” (ll. 35-36). He therefore acknowledges that he does not consider himself perfect and is ready to admit to his mistakes.
Moreover, Churchill implies that his extensive knowledge has helped him predict the outcome of the Battle of France:
The disastrous military events which have happened during the past fortnight have not come to me with any sense of surprise. Indeed, I indicated a fortnight ago as clearly as I could to the House that the worst possibilities were open. (ll. 59-62)
This evidence gives Churchill even more credibility and makes the public acknowledge his position, as he seems to be able to think strategically and has experience in military matters.
Churchill also creates ethos when he talks about the credibility of the British military forces. For example, ethos is created when he talks about the power of the Navy:
Some people seem to forget that we have a Navy. We must remind them. For the last thirty years I have been concerned in discussions about the possibilities of oversea invasion, and I took the responsibility on behalf of the Admiralty, at the beginning of the last war, of allowing all regular troops to be sent out of the country. (ll. 109-113)
This example not only highlights the power of the British Navy, but also Churchill’s military genius, which allowed him to make important decisions in World War I.
