When Dwight D. Eisenhower gave his last speech as president of the United States, the country was dealing with large conflicts both domestically and abroad. The Cold War had been going on for some time, the Civil Rights Movement was beginning to gain momentum, and the Vietnam War was causing tensions outside as well as inside the States. Worry and trepidation were common feelings among the American people, and the president knew that what everyone needed most was hope. In his speech, Eisenhower frequently used words like “balance,” “nation,” and “issues,” to try and convey his hopeful yet reserved thoughts about the future of the United States. Although some might view Eisenhower’s speech as just another president’s farewell address, there …show more content…
Anaphora, which is when the same word is repeated at the beginning of neighboring clauses, was used by Eisenhower to stress the need for balance everywhere. He used this device to emphasize his main theme as well as create a natural rhythm in his speech to make the idea of balance more memorable and appealing to listeners. Eisenhower stated that those with “good judgement [seek] balance and progress” (Eisenhower). In other words, those with wisdom and strong morals look for ways to build up society and make it better. The depravity of the world was much more apparent as wars were fought and conflicts broke out, and the president was calling on the U.S. citizens to step up and regain their traditional principles and values that had begun to fade. Contrarily, he also said, “Lack of [good judgement] eventually finds imbalance and frustration” (Eisenhower). The president was pointing out that those without wisdom and morals tend to cause instability and strife among society. Eisenhower was encouraging the American people to rely on their better judgement and work alongside one another for the greater good, rather than focus on their own individual interests, in order to create a future filled with peace and