In the speech delivered by Jane Addams on February 23, 1903, at Chicago's Union League

Club to commemorate George Washington's birthday, and convey her views on the significance
of Washington's legacy.

Addams addresses the civic organisation, emphasising the importance of reflecting on the moral
issues involved in history rather than solely celebrating the achievements of great men who
have catered to the interests of the wealthy. She challenges the audience to consider the
broader implications of Washington's legacy beyond his military and political accomplishments.

Addams utilises parallelism and appeals to ethos in her argumentation. By framing Washington
as a man who looked beyond the immediate confusion of his time and focused on the moral
issues at stake, she establishes him as a model for moral leadership. She appeals to the
audience's sense of duty and justice by invoking Washington's belief in founding a nation based
on the equality of all individuals.

Addams effectively utilizes analogy by comparing the pervasive materialism in society to a

looming threat that threatens the nation's values. She contrasts Washington's ideals of civic
duty and self-sacrifice with the self-serving interests of contemporary politicians and the
obsession with material wealth. This analogy emphasises the importance of preserving
Washington's legacy of civic virtue and selflessness in the face of societal challenges.

Additionally, Addams utilises rhetorical questions to engage the audience and prompt reflection
on the implications of Washington's legacy for contemporary society. By asking what
Washington would do if confronted with present-day problems, she encourages the audience to
consider how his principles can guide their actions in addressing societal issues.

Jane Addams' reflection on George Washington's legacy and its relevance to contemporary
society. Through her speech, Addams skillfully intertwines historical insights with societal
critiques, urging her audience to consider the enduring significance of Washington's principles.