Summary

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MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
UNIVERSITY OF DANANG

This thesis has been completed at the College of Foreign
Languages – The University of Danang

NGUYỄN UY DŨNG
Supervisor: Ngũ Thiện Hùng, Ph.D

AN INVESTIGATION INTO STYLISTIC DEVICES
IN POLITICAL SPEECHES BY US PRESIDENTS

Examiner 1: ………………………………………………………

Examiner 2: ………………………………………………………

Field Study
Code

: THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
: 60.22.15
This thesis will be presented to the Examining Committee at the
University of Danang on October 30th 2010

M.A. THESIS
(SUMMARY)

This thesis is available found at the library of
DANANG - 2010

- College of Foreign Languages, University of Danang.
- Information Resources Center, University of Danang.

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Chapter 1

the stylistic devices can bring in the speech. In order to create

INTRODUCTION

favorable conditions for those who want to understand more about

1.1. RATIONALE

political speeches and to identify some of the common characteristics

The effectiveness of a speech depends on many factors,

of political speeches and highlight the differences between the

including the mood of the crowd, the ability of the orator, the

stylistic features commonly present in them, I decided to carry out a

situation the crowd confronts, the topic of the speech and the using of

detailed analysis of these features: An Investigation into Stylistic

words- the using of stylistic devices. The goal of any political speech

Devices in Political Speeches by US Presidents.

is persuasion - you want to bring the crowd around to your point of

1.2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

view, whether that means convincing them to vote for you.

1.2.1. Aims:

So the frequent and wide use of stylistic devices is an

The study is aimed to investigate into Stylistic Devices in

important characteristic of political speeches which is an effective

political speeches by US Presidents. Its purpose is to provide learners

way to make these speeches more attractive, lively and more

of English with practical information and to raise their awareness of

persuasive. A stylistic device is an example of the figurative use of

Stylistic Devices in political speeches in English.

words, which produces a particularly rhetorical effect when people

1.2.2. Objectives

use the language creatively in a specified context so all politicians use stylistic devices in political speeches.
In the realm of discourse analysis, the typical linguistic features of political speeches have so far been the focus of attention of many linguists and researchers. However, there are not many studies of the language used in political speeches, especially stylistic devices used in political speeches of US Presidents because the

The study attempts to fulfill the following objectives:
1. To investigate the prominent stylistic features of stylistic devices, and the frequencies of occurrence of stylistic devices in political speeches by US Presidents.
2. To highlight the significant contribution of stylistic devices to the success of the political speeches by US Presidents.
3. To suggest some implications for teachers and learners of

majority of people who listen to political speeches pay more attention

English, especially for who wishes to write speeches effectively.

to the content of what is being said rather than how it is being said.

1.3. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Thus, the audience, though being affected by the style of the speaker’s speech in general, may have little interest in the stylistic analysis of what is being said in particular. Accordingly, they, though are able to evaluate a speaker’s delivery style and mannerisms in general, may pay rare attention to the colorful meaning that each of

To fulfill the objectives mentioned above, the study tries to seek the information for the following questions:
1. What are linguistic features of the stylistic devices in political speeches by US Presidents?

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2. Which stylistic devices are most frequently and distinctively used in political speeches by US Presidents?
3. What are their artistic or aesthetic values and contributions to

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The study is organized into five chapters as follows:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Review of Literature & Theoretical Background

the success of the political speeches by US Presidents?

Chapter 3: Methods and Procedures

1.4. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion

This study focuses on the findings of stylistic features of

Chapter 5: Conclusions and Implication

stylistic devices namely alliteration, metaphor, metonymy, rhetorical questions, repetition and personification in one hundred famous

Chapter 2

political speeches by US Presidents, and the frequencies of

LITERATURE REVIEW

occurrence of the stylistic devices in these speeches.
1.5 DEFINITION OF TERMS

AND THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
2.1. REVIEW OF PRIOR STUDIES

Stylistic Devices (Rhetoric) is a branch of general linguistic

So far, there have been a lot of studies on the stylistic

which is regarded as a language science. It deals with the result of the

devices in political speeches. In 1985, Lecocq made an investigation

act of communication. [10, p.12] It means that Rhetoric takes into

of several speeches by Roosevelt, Nixon and Reagan with regard to

consideration the “output of the act of communication”. The most

the function of metaphor in political discourse, and Darmon did a

frequent definition of rhetoric is one defined as the ability to write

research about thematic and stylistic analysis of some inaugural

clearly, correctly and in a manner calculated to interest the readers.

addresses of presidents of the United States in 1990. In 1998,

[10, p.12]

Browning, Marina carried out an analysis of Ronald Reagan’s

1.6. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

political epideictic rhetoric as a form of propaganda for the

To some extent, the research is expected to be a valuable

conservative ideology, then in 2005, Wenzlawski had a research

contribution to the teaching and learning of English Stylistics in

about using words at war and the pragmatic rhetoric of war

general and of stylistic devices in political speeches in particular. The

speeches.

findings of the research will help Vietnamese learners aware and

However, there are not many studies on Stylistic Devices

achieve the beauty of using language in political speeches. Moreover,

and so far no reported research has been found on analysis of stylistic

it will not only help them get special styles but also provide them

devices in political speeches. In Vietnam, there are some studies

with some necessary strategies and techniques in the creative design

about stylistic devices and political speeches such as:

or in the use of words in writing speeches.
1.7. ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

Nguyen Thi Dieu Tram (2005), in “An investigation into lexical stylistic devices in “Vanity Fair” by William Makepeace

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Thackeray”, investigated into the Metaphor and Irony in the novel

very point of the text and presents himself as responding to what he

Vanity Fair and highlight the artistic merits of the novel as well as

believes would be their voiced objections or questions had they been

Thackeray’s unique style.

there, in the room with him, engaged in a face-to-face conversation.

Phan Thi Uyen Uyen (2006) investigated into some

2.3.2. Affection

commonly used stylistic devices in advertising language in English

Evaluation by means of the writer/speaker indicates how they

and Vietnamese newspapers. This author highlighted the differences

are emotionally disposed to the person, thing, happening or state of

and the similarities of using stylistic devices in advertising language

affairs. For example, “I love jazz”; “This new proposal by the

in English and Vietnamese newspapers.

government terrifies me”.

Especially, there are few studies on investigating stylistic

Under Affect, we are concerned with emotions, with positive

devices in political speeches in the perspectives of Appraisal

and negative emotional responses and dispositions.

Theories by Martin, a new model to evaluate the text in terms of

2.3.2.1. Authorial (1st-person) versus non-Authorial (2nd & 3rd

dialogistic positioning. I hope that this thesis “An investigation into

person) Affect

stylistic devices in political speeches by US Presidents” will

2.3.2.2. Non-authorial (2nd and 3rd person) Affect

contribute a minor part to fulfill the overall picture of this field.

2.4. SUMMARY

2.2. THEORETCAL BACKGROUND
2.2.1. Stylistic devices

Chapter 3

2.2.1.1. Stylistic devices (Rhetoric)

METHODS AND PROCEDURE

2.2.1.2. Functions of stylistic devices

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

2.2.2. Repetition

3.2 RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURE

2.2.3. Metaphor

3.3 SAMPLING

2.2.4. Rhetorical Questions

100 well-known political speeches by US Presidents has

2.2.6. Metonymy

been collected on the Internet.

2.2.7. Alliteration

3.4 INSTRUMENTATION

2.2.8. Political Speeches

3.5 DATA COLLECTION

2.3. APPRAISAL THEORY

3.6 DATA ANALYSIS

2.3.1. Dialogistic Positioning

The method which was used in this thesis was mainly the

When it is seemed as “dialogic” in the case that the writer

qualitative approach. The analysis looked into the figurative

presents himself as imaging how his readers will be reacting at this

meanings that SDs may bring into the interpretation of the message

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in the speeches. The interpretation will take into consideration the

Chapter 4

deviation of the intended meaning from the source or literal one.

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

Especially the judgment of the novelty and uniqueness; the

4.1 THE LINGUISTIC FEATURES OF THE TYPICAL

creativeness and the freshness of SD used in a certain speech by a

STYLISTIC DEVICES

certain politician will be considered against what have been used so

4.1.1 Metaphor in Political Speeches by the US Presidents

far.

Metaphor was one of the most potent means of creating
As mentioned above, the analysis of the SDs was done using

images in political speeches and it was preferred by the speakers due

the model of Appraisal Theory by Martin with a hope to bring a

to its special effects on the audience such as emphasizing, appealing

better insight into the interpretation of the effect of SDs used in

to our imagination and creating a vivid picture in the listeners/the

political speeches.

readers’ mind. Here are several instances of metaphors:

The findings of stylistic devices in political speeches was

(1) America is a friend of each nation and every man,

qualitatively presented from the descriptive analysis of stylistic

woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity,

devices. The data were then quantitatively analyzed and presented in

and we are ready to lead once more. [100]

tables to show the frequencies of occurrence of those stylistic devices. “America” is the tenor that is compared with “a friend of each nation”- the vehicle. Here an implied comparison is made to

As has been set up from the outset of the study, the data

convey the message that America is friendly and kind to every nation

analysis has been done concerning the dimensions of the research

which seeks a future of peace and dignity and it also makes a positive

questions stated in chapter 1.

evaluation of Obama with a friendly attitude which may be the

- The linguistic features of the stylistic devices in political speeches by US Presidents.
- The stylistic devices are most frequently and distinctively used in political speeches by US Presidents.
- Their artistic or aesthetic values and contributions to the

intended effect that the speaker aimed at sending the message to the listener. (2) My fellow citizens, today we celebrate the mystery of
American renewal. [54]
Metaphorical noun “renewal” makes a picture that something

success of the political speeches by US Presidents.

new will be created again and by resorting this image, the president

3.7. RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY

wished to stress that he would have new policies to change and develop the USA in his term, this first sentence in his inaugural address created a persuasive situation and a lively image that the hearers or the readers are sure to be impressed by his intention.

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Metaphors are not only used with nouns but also with verbs

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(6) And tonight, a few miles from the damaged Pentagon, I

and adjectives as well. A large number of collected instances in the

have a message for our military… [38]

study were found carrying cases of metaphorical verbs and

In (6) the word “Pentagon” stands for “the United States

adjectives. Following are some examples of this type of metaphor:

Department of Defense”. This word was not used to refer to a shape

(3) We have drifted, and that drifting has eroded our

with five sides as its literal meaning counts, but it directs the

resources, fractured our economy, and shaken our

reference to something more abstract, basing on the association of

confidence. [54]

related characteristics between the source object (the shape of the

(4) We will defend ourselves and our future against terror

Pentagon) and the target object (The United States Department of

and lawless violence. [44]

Defense).

This metaphorical adjectives “lawless” in (4) has the same meaning with “illegal” but here the presidents wanted to emphasize

A concrete thing used instead of an abstract notion. In this case the thing becomes a symbol of the notion, as in:

“lawless” and used them as evident in labeling of actions perceived to

(7) This must be more than a fresh start between the Kremlin

be against the interests of the USA. This implication was done by

and the White House. [101]

defining the behaviour of those who are opposed to the USA and the

In (7) “the Kremlin” and “the White House” are concrete

world as illegal and evaluating the actions of the speakers’

substitutions for “the President and staff” of the Russia and the USA

government as restorative forms of punishment.

respectively.

Apart from the cases mentioned above, our corpus also yields a number of interesting metaphorical collocations which can be used

The relations of correspondence of particular parts of the body with particular actions, as in:

to make the speeches more persuasive, emotional and attractive as

(8)… man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all

follows:

forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. [83]

(5) …since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government…
[126]
In conclusion, metaphor is a significant and common phenomenon of language all over the world. It is also a basic ingredient of successful interpersonal conveying of ideas. In political

The instrument which the doer uses in performing the action instead of the action, as in:
(9) We are Americans, determined to defend the frontiers of freedom, by an honorable peace if peace is possible, but by arms if arms are used against us. [84]
The relation of proximity, as in:

speeches, it is valuable in satisfying the discourse goals.

(10) They are likely to be successful only if both sides reach

4.1.2. Metonymy in Political Speeches by US Presidents

an agreement which both regard as preferable to the status

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quo--an agreement in which each side can consider its own

as being innately gentle and good. And certainly a woman who

situation to be improved. [84]

characteristically sacrifices herself to others is expected to need

“Both sides, each side” are metonymically associated with

supporting and protecting in return. By aiming at this personified

the substitutions for the US and its adversary.
The material instead of the action, as in:

image, the presidents aim to get the listeners’ support the actions and the policies of America.

(11) The men who sat around the table in Paris knew

In this study, we found many cases like the instances above

that the time had come when the people were no longer going

about NATION AS A PERSON AND NATION ACTING HUMAN

to consent to live under masters, but were going to live the

as in:

lives that they chose themselves, to live under such

(14) The economic ills we suffer have come upon us over

governments as they chose themselves to erect. [97]

several decades. [107]

In conclusion, we found out that there is a mix of classic

In addition, personification is also a way of making the

metonymies and innovative ones which were actually used in

abstract ideological issues meaningful and is there a major leadership

political speeches by the US presidents. Some basic metonymies like

strategy during times of national crisis in the UAS, as in:

“White House”, “Washington” or “Wall Street”, though losing their

(15) All nations should know: America will do what is

freshness and are no longer unpredictable, still contributes to the

necessary to ensure our nation’s security. We will be

attraction of the speeches in as much as they show a property or an

deliberate, yet time is not outside. I will not wait on events,

essential quality of the concept. Newly-used metonymies mentioned

while dangers gather. I will not stand by, as peril draws

above have brought with them an interesting novelty serving the

closer to closer. The United States of America will not permit

listeners or the readers’ interest.

the world’s most dangerous regimes to threaten us with the

4.1.3 Personification in Political Speeches by the US
Presidents

world’s most destructive weapons. [40]
There is a shift from “American” to “we” to “I” and back to

Let’s take some following examples for the analysis:

the USA. The speaker emphasized the equivalence that was

(12) America is never wholly herself unless she is engaged in

established between nation, government and leader, which was

high moral principle. [48]

supposedly designed to create an impression of national unity and a

(13) …the United States can maintain her interests intact and

shared sense of the common purpose that is necessary to overcome a

can secure respect for her just demands. [122]

national crisis. The boundary between leader and nation was removed

Both presidents personify “America”, “The United States” as

so that the views of the leaders was assumed to become the voice of

a woman because women are generally seen as morally superior and

the nation.

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In conclusion, the persuasive power of language in political

(18) Make no mistake: we do not want to keep our troops in

speeches can be achieved through personification and the leaders

Afghanistan. [99]

proved that they know how to apply it when they wanted to give the

It is concluded that alliteration is one of the important tools

message to the listeners and wished them to share their ideas and to

in producing a successful speech.

join them to solve the national problems.

4.1.5. Rhetorical Questions in Political Speeches by the US

4.1.4. Alliteration in Political Speeches by the US Presidents

Presidents

In my corpus, there were a number of instances of alliteration

4.1.5.1 Yes- no question forms

with the repetition of similar sounds, in particular consonant sounds,

(19) Will we be one nation, one people, with one common

in close succession, especially at the beginning of successive words.

destiny, or not? Will we all come together, or come apart?

For example,

[55]

(16)… governments that protect these rights are ultimately

Here, Clinton used the first plural personal pronoun “we” in

more stable, successful and secure. [99]

these questions to link the listeners and him and share sense of the

In this example, there is a repetition of the initial consonant

common purpose that is necessary to decide. Though the question

“s” which surely imposes sound effects and deep impression on the

was put in the form of an alternative one with two options, it is

listeners or the readers. Maybe, the three successive fricatives at the

obvious that he wanted the listeners to agree with his ideas and his

initial position of each word could create an impression of something

policies that he planed. The personal pronoun “we” suggested an idea

perfect and stable in its similarity. The audiences who are listening

of solidarity and somewhat reflected his positive strategy in

this speech are likely to have something left in their mind or

interaction.

remember the ideas that the speaker want to give deeply.

4.1.5.2 Wh- Question form

The

repeated

consonant

sounds

can

be

completely

successive. For example:

In Wh- question form, we also found that the rhetorical questions were often used to produce an effect on listener’s attitude,

(17) America has a clear goal: to disrupt, dismantle and

emotion and psychology with the aim to get the listeners’ approval

defeat al-Qaida and its allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

and support, as in:

[101]

(20) Why, then, should we think that collectively, as a nation,

In addition, we also found most of the alliterations that the

we are not bound by that same limitation?

initial consonant sounds in words were not next to each other. They

(21) why shouldn't we believe that? [107]

could draw attention to the phrase and were often used for emphasis,

Besides, we found some rhetorical questions might be

as in:

encouraging and motivating. They also had the effect of urging and

17 challenging the prospects to make decision or take part in the action, as in:

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Here, the words “interest” was intentionally repeated. In this speech, the president was discussing about the conflict between Israel

(22) Who shall live up to the great trust? Who dares fail to

and Palestine and he wanted them to live in peace and security and

try? [128]

that was the hope of the people all over the world so the words

In addition, some rhetorical questions were found to be used

“interest” was repeated four times to highlight its importance and to

to create attention by giving the compared images so that they might

made a good effect on the hearers/ the readers.

provoke the audience, as in:

4.1.6.1. Repetition of words

(23) How many white children have gone uneducated? How

When the repeated word (or phrase) comes at the beginning

many white families have lived in stark poverty? How many

of two or more consecutive sentences, clauses or phrases, we call

white lives have been scarred by fear, because we've wasted

anaphora as in the following examples:

our energy and our substance to maintain the barriers of

(27) We seek peace. We seek freedom. We seek to enrich the

hatred and terror? [78]

life of man. [78]

Moreover, the speakers used rhetorical question in political

In addition, some other kinds of repetition of words have also

speeches to give a persuasive way that can make the audience join

been found in this corpus, for example:

them to act and find the solution for the policies or the problems as

(28) It does require, however, our best effort, and our

in:

willingness to believe in ourselves and to believe in our
(24) What are we going to do now? [60]

capacity to perform great deeds; to believe that together,

(25) What will we do in 1970 when elementary school

with God's help, we can and will resolve the problems which

enrollment will be 5 million greater than 1960? [79]

now confront us. [107]

In conclusion, rhetorical question used in political speeches

4.1.6.2 Repetition of structures

is the way of the effective persuasion and also creates attention as

S BEpassive Ved2 CONJ S BEpassive Ved2

well as provide the important affairs of the nation in order to get the

(29) The rights of every man are diminished when the rights

listeners’ approval and support.

of one man are threatened. [85]

4.1.6. Repetition in Political Speeches by US Presidents

THE MORE S V THE MORE S V

For example:

(30)The more the plans fail, the more the planners plan. [85]

(26)That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's

S V ADV+ER; S V ADV+ER

interest, and the world's interest. [101]

(31) Each year the need grows greater; the program grows greater. [108]

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EVERY N S V, EVERY N S V, EVERY N S V

4.2.

(32) Every decision I have made, every executive action I

DEVICES

have taken, every bill I have proposed and signed. [53]

APPRAISAL THEORIES

S WILL (NOT) V, WILL (NOT) V, WILL (NOT) V

4.2.1 The Lexical Salient Features

(33) They know this brutal dictator will do anything, will use

THE

DISTINCTIVE
IN

POLITICAL

FEATURES
SPEECHES

OF
IN

STYLISTIC
VIEW

OF

After analyzing the stylistic devices above, we found that

any weapon, will commit any outrage. [49]

metaphor was used most, and then repetition device was the second.

S BE ADJ, S BE ADJ AND S BE ADJ

Both stylistic devices are valuable in satisfying the discourse goals of

(34) Our faith is sure, our resolve is firm, and our union is

political speeches and have their important contributions to the

strong. [49]

success of creating persuasive, inspirational and informative political

S SEE NO EVEL AND HEAR NO EVIL

speeches.

(35) Thy see no evil and hear no evil. [116]

In the total corpus size is 428,465 words with 1993

S WHO V, WHO V, AND WHO V

metaphors, we found that Bill Clinton used approximately one

(36) I promised you a President who is not isolated from the

metaphor every 160 words while the other presidents used about one

people, who feels your pain, and who shares your dreams,

metaphor every 200 words average so we found that Bill Clinton was

and who draws his strength and his wisdom from you. [51]

the president who used the most metaphors in his speeches and this

NOT HOW W, BUT HOW X; NOT ONLY HOW Y BUT

could make him become one of the most famous leaders with many

HOW Z
(37) The Great Society asks not how much, but how good;

great speeches which are highlighted forever in history in the world.
Let take an example of excellent using metaphor in his speech:

not only how to create wealth but how to use it. [81]

(38) My fellow citizens, today we celebrate the mystery of

In brief, repetition is one of the stylistic devices employed

American renewal. [54]

most in political speeches in order to help the listeners or the readers

In addiction, in this study we also found that George Bush

to remember the idea easily. This is also the purpose of the speakers

was the president who used the most metaphor in his speeches next to

in creating distinctive features for his speeches. In addition, repetition

Clinton, so this makes metaphor the most lexical salience device with

is also a major rhetorical strategy for producing emphasis,

a lot of distinctive features that have important contributions to

amplification, or emotional effect so it is an effective way to attract

creating many great speeches. Especially, Bush used a lot of

readers.

metaphors in the speeches which had the contents about the attack on
Iraq and called action against the terrorism and this provided an

21 illustration of the famous events of the day during the era of George
Bush. Here are some instances:

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As we have discussed the Affect in Appraisal Theories in
Chapter 2, the Affect is the evaluation by means of the writer/speaker

(39) We will defend ourselves and our future against terror

indicating how they are emotionally disposed to the person, thing,

and lawless violence. [44]

happening or state of affairs. Under Affect, we are concerned with

(40)…at President Shevardnadze’s request, the United States

emotions, with positive and negative emotional responses and

is planning to send up to 150 military trainers to prepare

dispositions.

Georgian soldiers to reestablish control in this lawless region. [45]

Let’s take some instances with distinctive features of stylistic devices in political speeches in view of Appraisal Theories:

(41) This nation, in world war and in Cold war, has never

(43) Let us put aside the personal advantage so that we can

permitted the brutal and lawless to set history’s course. [46]

feel the pain and see the promise of America. [54]

Moreover, we also found the lexical distinctive features of

It is a negative case through the attributive relation of Affect

metaphor, which were the metaphorical personification cases that

“we feel the pain”. Clinton might not be pleased with what was

created rhetorical strategies to convince the audience and help the

happening and is happening in the America. So he seemed to call for

listeners to visualize what is meant by a phrase or expression, as in:

and encourage the people of the nation to make the USA better and

(42) To those neighbours who share our freedom, we will

better. He might aim for the people to first and foremost

strengthen our historic ties and assure them of our support

acknowledge the needs and prospects of America. He seemed to seek

and firm commitment. We will match loyalty with loyalty.

support and appeals to the people to look beyond their own needs and

We will strive for mutually beneficial relations. We will not

to see the bigger pictures. He might want to appeal to the emotions of

use our friendship to impose on their sovereignty, for our

responsibility and support of the listeners.

own sovereignty is not for sale. [107]

(44) The leadership of America would be in good hands. [97]

In conclusion, the analysis has showed that some lexical

In (44) it is a kind of metonymy, “hands” stand for persons.

salient features of stylistic devices, especially metaphors are

It is evaluated positively as he uses “good” to describe the persons

powerful, valuable in satisfying the discourse goals, highlighting the

who are the leaders. He wants to inspire the listeners with the new

current political issues. Moreover, political speeches are not

hope, belief and confidence in the new leaders of America.

primarily politics itself, but are a way to present current issues in a

(45) America, at its best, is compassionate. In the quiet of the

way so that the people realize the problems and the visions of the

America conscience, we know that deep persistent poverty is

politicians.

unworthy of our nation’s promise. [36]

4.2.2 The Effect in Signaling Affection

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It is a case of indetermination, we cannot decide it is positive

political speeches by US presidents. Among them, metaphor ranks

or negative because Bush claims that America is a compassionate

first, which is used the most in 100 speeches. Generally speaking,

nation, however, he may suggest that America is not at its best and is

metaphor carries with it various rhetorical effects and strategies

therefore currently not compassionate. In times of need and

needed by the presidents for the purpose of persuasive and interesting

desperation, the nation may not be at all compassionate and think of

speeches.

others. He implied that America is a humble nation that looks after

Moreover we’ve found the distinctive features of metaphors

others and that America is decent and respectable. That makes the

in signaling affection and they help us identify the aesthetic in

effect of the emotional images in the listeners about a compassionate

speeches and understand the speakers’ emotion.

nation- America.

Each stylistic device has its own features and rhetorical

In conclusion, using the Affect is the evaluation by means of

effects so that it is the unique. Metaphor is preferred by the speakers

the US presidents as writer/speaker indicating how they are

thanks to its special effects on the audiences such as persuading

emotionally disposed to the person, thing, happening or state of

emphasizing, appealing to our imagination and creating a vivid

affairs through the stylistic devices in order to highlight the emotion

picture in the listeners/ readers’ mind. On the other hand, metonymy

of the speakers and they help us or the American people as

is actually able to create visual effects striking the eyes of readers.

listeners/readers understand and share the ideas with the speakers

Personification and repetition are regarded the best way to express

more easily. And we can clearly identify that the US presidents invite

emotional attitude of the speakers or to emphasize his main

their audience to share that emotional response, or at least to see that

messages. Rhetorical question is employed in speeches for the

response as appropriate and well motivated, or at least as

purpose of imposing a sense of support and approval on the audience

understandable. When that invitation is accepted, then, solidarity or

while alliteration is aimed to produce sound and music effects.

sympathy between speaker and listener will be enhanced.

Another important in the research is the stylistic devices mentioned in the thesis closely linked with the view of Appraisal

Chapter 5

Theories to get the effects in signaling affection. They help us to

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

identify the speakers’ emotion and his rhetorical strategies about

5.1. CONCLUSIONS
By the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, we draw some conclusions as followed:
Metaphor, metonymy, personification, alliteration, rhetorical question, repetition are the most frequently used stylistic devices in

attracting attention, arousing interest, stimulating desire, creating conviction and getting action in the audience.
5.2. IMPLICATIONS
5.2.1. For Learning of English

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Generally speaking, stylistic devices are one of the most

Stylistic devices are complicated and abstract problems of

difficult aspects of any languages. Therefore, for students of English,

stylistics. There are a lot of stylistic devices used in political

how to master the knowledge about stylistic devices and then to

speeches. However, this thesis only investigates some commonly

apply them in speaking or writing is indeed a big question. From the

used ones in political speeches.

findings of this paper, it is hoped that students would grasp some

With those difficulties and limitation of personal ability,

necessary information helping them with the study of stylistic

sources of materials relating to the problem under investigation and

devices. Moreover, thanks to the rhetorical effects of stylistic devices

outside factors, some weaknesses are inevitable.

identified in this study, students of English would find it more

5.4. RECOMMENDATIONS

interesting to learn about stylistic devices. Besides, the findings of

Firstly, as we found out in the graduation paper, metaphor is

the study will help them appreciate the beauty of political language in

the most frequently used stylistic device in English newspaper

famous speeches. It will not only help them get better understanding

headlines. Therefore, it is really useful to carry out a research with

language in political speeches but also provide them with some

the topic “An investigation into the use metaphor in political

necessary strategies and techniques in writing speeches. I also hope

speeches by the US presidents” in which metaphor will be more

that this study will provide learners with precious experience of how

thoroughly analyzed and categorized.

to write and translate a political speech.
5.2.2. For Teaching of English
How to find out the most effective method for teachers of
English to help their students master stylistic devices is still a big concern at the moment. This study would give a suggestion on teaching stylistic devices through sentences in political speeches containing those stylistic devices. By doing in that way, teachers not only inspire their students with the help of interesting ideas in
English political speeches but also bring the students clear examples of how good to use stylistic devices.
5.3. LIMITATIONS
Due to the lack of time, space as well as relevant materials, the topic under study may not have been thoroughly discussed as it should be.

Secondly, a comparison between stylistic devices in English political speeches and those in Vietnamese political speeches is also suggested as a topic for a graduation paper.