Analysis
These elements will help you with the analysis of Winston Churchill’s speech “Their Finest Hour”.
The rhetorical situation is that the speech is delivered by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. The speech was delivered on the 18th of June 1940, a month after Churchill took over the position of Prime Minister following Neville Chamberlain.
The composition of the speech shows the main topics Churchill focuses on. He first addresses the situation in Europe and France, after which he focuses on the situation of Britain’s military powers.
In his speech, Churchill uses a formal style of language which highlights the seriousness of the political issues he addresses. Despite the formal style, Churchill’s message can be understood by the general public.
Churchill uses several rhetorical devices to support his ideas. He also uses direct address, which makes the audience feel involved in the issues he presents.
When it comes to the forms of appeal, Churchill uses logos, pathos, and ethos. By using a balance of all three forms of appeal, he ensures that the audience trusts his judgment and understands that the need to go on with the war is essential.
You can read a full analysis of Churchill’s speech “Their Finest Hour” in the following pages.