Rhetorical devices

In the speech “Their Finest Hour”, Winston Churchill uses several rhetorical devices to support his ideas. He mainly uses allusions, direct address, and rhetorical questions to get his points across. 

Allusions and antithesis

Churchill uses an allusion to an ode by English poet Andrew Marvell: “He nothing common did or mean, Upon that memorable scene” (ll. 257-258). The poem refers to the 17th century English Civil War, which ended with the execution of King Charles I. By alluding to this event, Churchill intends to praise King Charles’ behavior because he faced death with dignity. Churchill also uses this allusion in his speech to suggest that British people should follow the example and face the future with dignity, even though they do not know what...