These are the times that try men’s souls.

We’ll start by looking a bit at some election ads and campaign images.

Then, we’ll talk about Kennedy’ Inaugural and compare our Presidential inaugural addresses and get one actor to try them out.

Next, we’ll listen to President Reagan’s Challenger speech and answer a few questions.

1. Take a look at the first 2 paragraphs. How does Reagan create an atmosphere and tone appropriate to the kairos?
2. What is the purpose of paragraphs 3-4? What is he trying to communicate?
3. At one point, Reagan directly addresses schoolchildren? Why?  Is he really addressing schoolchildren?
4. Explain why Reagan makes the Drake connection.  What’s the purpose?
5. Compare Reagan’s style of speaking with Kennedy’s.  What’s similar? What’s different?

Finally, Thomas Paine, tries to inspire/anger us.  Look at The Crisis #1 and note the rhetorical strategies Paine uses and why.

Image Credit: AmericanRhetoric.com