Saturday, January 31, 2009

Post #2




"We shall fight them on the beaches" - Winston Churchill.

This speech by Winston Churchill instilled patriotism and determination not only in the people of England, but in people around the whole world who feared and/or abhorred the tyrannical power of Hitler.

Act: Speech to the Parliament
Scene: June 4, 1940; House of Commons
Agent: Winston Churchill, Prime Minister
Agency: Parliament
Purpose: Update the Parliament about the war and instill determination in them.

Winston Churchill is known around the world for his speeches and actions during World War II. During a time when the liberty and safety of the world was at risk, Churchill rose up as a leader and fought against the tyranny. This particular speech, given on June 4, 1940, really shows his love for his country and his world.

By analyzing this speech using proper context, and the pentad (act, scene, agent, agency, and purpose), we can determine the motive behind the words spoken. England was struggling in the war. Just before this speech was given, they were forced to evacuate their soldiers from Dunkirk, France. This was a dangerous mission and an example to the Parliament of the extreme perils of the war. The French and the Canadians were fighting alongside England, but the United States had yet to offer their military support. Churchill saw a need for a military boost. The basic act and scene of this situation was a speech given to the Parliament in the House of Commons on June 4th. By observing Churchill's tone of voice and word usage, it is clear that his purpose was not only to update the Parliament about the current issues, but also to motivate and inspire them to fight hard and long against the Nazis. It is also clear that he does not want his world to fall into the hands of a corrupt leader. I can confidently state that Churchill's motivation behind his speech is his love for his county, freedom, and security.

The end of this speech is so memorable and effective due to the use of repetition. Repeating the phrase "we shall fight," Churchill makes it clear what must be done; England would not cower from the war. On the contrary, they will fight with all their power to avoid the tyranny of Hitler.

With confidence in himself and in his country, Winston Churchill delivered an effective and memorable speech from the heart.

-link to full text: http://www.winstonchurchill.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=393

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Post #1



Blogging allows me to be myself and express my opinions creatively. Not being confined to the rules of MLA, APA, and other standard writing formats, I can be free to be who I was created to be and say what I want to say. I believe every person was created uniquely. We see and experience different things throughout our lives. My perspective of this world is my own, and blogging is a way for me to depict that perspective in a creative way, through pictures, music, sounds, writings, and other documents. I will not be afraid to share my opinions, beliefs, and ideas in this blog. I should never be afraid to do so...but that is easier said than done. This blog will show my unique way of seeing the world.


My unique self...my way of seeing the world has been influenced by many, but there is one person who outweighs all the others. A man who lived a long time ago taught me to be the best I can be. He taught me how to live, and then he died for me, so that I can have hope after death. Jesus Christ is the most influential person in my life. I try to base my life of Jesus' life. "What Would Jesus Do?" It sounds cliche, but it is so meaningful. Because of his love, I want to share love. My favorite place in the world, a place where Jesus' love overflows, is the El Sauzal Orphanage in San Antonio de Las Minas, Mexico. Every summer I go down there with a group to see the kids and help out however we can. Jesus gives hope to all, even these children who have virtually nothing.

This is me and what has made me to be who I am. I'm not ashamed or embarrassed.