Read these two excerpts from speeches given by President Reagan and President Obama. In what ways are they similar to Claudius' speech at the beginning of Act 1 Scene 2 of Hamlet? What literary devices do all three politicians use? What common themes are presented?
Well, I
believe we, the Americans of today, are ready to act worthy of ourselves, ready
to do what must be done to ensure happiness and liberty for ourselves, our
children, and our children's children. And as we renew ourselves here in our
own land, we will be seen as having greater strength throughout the world. We
will again be the exemplar of freedom and a beacon of hope for those who do not
now have freedom.
To
those neighbors and allies who share our freedom, we will strengthen our
historic ties and assure them of our support and firm commitment. We will match
loyalty with loyalty. We will strive for mutually beneficial relations. We will
not use our friendship to impose on their sovereignty, for our own sovereignty
is not for sale.
As for
the enemies of freedom, those who are potential adversaries, they will be
reminded that peace is the highest aspiration of the American people. We will
negotiate for it, sacrifice for it; we will not surrender for it, now or ever.
Our
forbearance should never be misunderstood. Our reluctance for conflict should
not be misjudged as a failure of will. When action is required to preserve our
national security, we will act. We will maintain sufficient strength to prevail
if need be, knowing that if we do so we have the best chance of never having to
use that strength. - President Reagan
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not
get there in one year or even one term, but America – I have never been more
hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you – we as a
people will get there. I will always be honest with you about the challenges we
face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will
ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in
America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick,
calloused hand by calloused hand. So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism;
of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work
harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that
if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a
thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers – in this country, we rise or
fall as one nation; as one people.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from
parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten
corners of our world – our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and
a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this
world down – we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security – we
support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns
as bright – tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes
not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the
enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding
hope. - President Obama
