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Saylor Runyon

AP Lang

2nd period

11 December 2019

Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Wendell Phillips, a white American abolitionist, develops a powerful speech in 1861 at

the beginning of the civil war. During this time period, Northern American slaves are debating

on whether freed slaves should be permitted to partake in the Civil War. Phillips speech serves to

convince the Northerners that African Americans should allow the slaves to assist in the war.

Throughout the speech, Phillips thoroughly convinces her audience while also speaking to fellow

abolitionists. Rhetorical devices including an allusion, competitive diction and metaphors are

used for Phillips to properly convey her viewpoint on freed slaves serving in the Civil War. In

his speech, Phillips clearly shows this passion towards the Haitian general, Toussaint-

Louverture, and recognizes his great success as a leader.

Throughout his speech, Phillips wins over his audience by comparing Louverture to

George Washington, an extremely memorable historical figure. Phillips alludes to George

Washington when he says, “consummate flower of our earlier generations” (Phillips par 5). By

comparing Louverture to George Washington, the audience realizes that Louverture is the
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greatest selection of militant leaders. Using this allusion, the audience changes their viewpoint

on Louverture and gives them a positive insight to his success as a Haitian leader. As Phillips

describes the similarities between George Washington and Louverture, his words appeal to the

audience’s emotions which continues to change their perspective on the great Haitian leader.

Furthermore, Wendell Phillips uses competitive diction to praise Toussaint Louverture

while also showing success through his enemies. The use of words including “despised” and

“reluctant” expose the enemies who disliked him due to his accomplishments as a leader. The

use of this diction convinces the audience of his success and how the negative comments about

Louverture come from those who were defeated by him. Also, towards the middle of Phillips’

speech, he uses a formal, convincing tone. Phillips suddenly begins to explain how the leader of

a country has such an immense impact on the citizens living there. He sets the tone of his speech

when he says, “We measure genius by quality, not quantity” (Phillips par 2). This excerpt us

used to move his audience and persuade the citizens that no matter what race someone is, their

skillful abilities will be extremely important in the military and can greatly impact that country.

Wendell Phillips concluded his speech using metaphors so that the audience will be left

with convincing comparisons in their head, in hopes of changing their viewpoint. Phillips

compares John Brown to the ripe fruit of noonday, describing the lasting impacts that successful

leaders from all over the world have left on their country, including Toussaint-Louverture. The

message that Phillips displays using a metaphor is that Toussaint was a Haitian that led his

country to great achievements, just like a great leader of any race can do.
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Wendell Phillips, the White American abolitionist, delivers an extremely motivational

speech that persuades and education all that listen. Phillips informs the listeners of the positive

impacts that would be left on countries if freed African American slaves were granted approval

to serve in the military. He praises Toussaint Louverture as an excellent leader and moves his

audience using rhetorical devices including allusions, competitive diction and metaphors.

Throughout Phillip’s speech, he clearly and precisely changes the viewpoints of the once

unconvinced Northerners.