The Influence of Rhetoric in the Shaping of Great Britain: From the Roman Invasion to the Early Nineteenth Century

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University of Delaware Press, 1986 - 321 páginas
This first history of public speaking in Great Britain traces the development of the ideas, ideals, and institutions that formed the character of the British people and nation. By focusing on critical moments in British history, it examines the role of persuasive leadership and the careers of great leaders, and presents influential speeches in their historical settings.

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Contenido

Preface
9
Rhetoric and HistoryFunctions of Persuasion
11
Culture ShapingThe Rhetorical Contribution
27
Drawing TogetherThe Role of Talk
47
A New Idea EmergesThe Balance of Interests
64
New Problems New Solutions The Professionalizing of Rhetoric
80
Crisis and ConfrontationDetermining the Mastery
104
Muddling ThroughRoyalty Restrained
130
Concern for the Little ManReligion and Reform
187
The Rights of EnglishmenDebating the American War
207
Imperialism on TrialThe Indictment of British Rule over India
234
The Specter of JacobinismEffects on the Discussable
248
The Problems of IrelandA Rhetorical Battleground
264
ScotlandA Rhetorical Highland
283
Epilogue
303
Selected Readings
307

ElitismThe Rhetoric of Privilege
150
The People Find a VoiceThe Elder William Pitt
171

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Página 117 - ... loud sighings of an eastern wind, and his motion made irregular and inconstant, descending more at every breath of the tempest, than it could recover by the libration and frequent weighing of his wings; till the little ' creature was forced to sit down and pant, and stay till the storm was over; and then it made a prosperous flight, and did rise and sing, as if it had learned music and motion from an angel, as he passed sometimes through the air about his ministries here below. So is the prayer...
Página 95 - I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And sure he is an honorable man.
Página 96 - But yesterday, the word of Caesar might Have stood against the world : now lies he there, And none so poor to do him reverence.
Página 96 - tis his will : Let but the commons hear this testament — Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read — And they would go and kiss dead Caesar's wounds And dip their napkins...
Página 95 - Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest, For Brutus is an honourable man; So are they all, all honourable men; Come I to speak in Caesar's funeral. He was my friend, faithful and just to me: But Brutus says he was ambitious; And Brutus is an honourable man.
Página 97 - I tell you that which you yourselves do know; Show you sweet Caesar's wounds, poor poor dumb mouths, And bid them speak for me: but were I Brutus, And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony Would ruffle up your spirits and put a tongue In every wound of Caesar that should move The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.
Página 97 - I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts : I am no orator, as Brutus is ; But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man, That love my friend; and that they know full well That gave me public leave to speak of him. For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth, Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech, To stir men's blood : I only speak right on...
Página 83 - Be of good comfort, master Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.
Página 94 - As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honour him; but, as he was ambitious, I slew him.
Página 296 - One asylum of free discussion is still inviolate. There is still one spot in Europe where man can freely exercise his reason on the most important concerns of society, where he can boldly publish his judgment on the acts of the proudest and most powerful tyrants. The press of England is still free. It is guarded by the free constitution of our forefathers. It is guarded by the hearts and arms of Englishmen ; and I trust I may venture to say that if it be to fall, it will fall only under the ruins...

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