A Rhetorical Analysis Of Kathleen Blanco's Speech

Andrew Sims
Ms. Perrine
English 4th Period
22 February 2023
Bye Katrina!
In this speech, Kathleen Blanco, the former governor of Louisiana, utilizes rhetorical devices, syntax, and diction to formulate a compelling speech about Hurricane Katrina. She uses rhetorical devices like pathos and ethos, syntax such as repetition, and diction that sets a specific tone for the audience. This speech takes place on December 18, 2019. Blanco gave this speech to the Louisiana legislature in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The purpose of this speech is to demand that Louisiana be rebuilt, and to express that people affected by the traumatic tragedy are capable of fighting through the challenge. Additionally, she thanks and honors the people such as

Additionally, she stated how she intended to provide Louisiana with ways to do that. Blanco says, “We will rebuild. Americans rebuilt Washington when the British burned it to the ground. We rebuilt Chicago after the great fire. We rebuilt San Francisco after the earthquake. And we are rebuilding New York City after 9/11. We will rebuild New Orleans and the surrounding parishes, because that is what Americans do.” As I stated before, this quote is filled with references where communities faced with a problem used union, determination, and whatever they had to prevail. This repetition compares past events to the situation they are now faced with. In addition, Blanco states, “We will drain the water from our neighborhoods. We will clean up the debris and contamination. We will rebuild our levees, roads and bridges and we will recreate our communities.” This piece of repetition provides the intentions Blanco has for reconstruction. With these statements, the audience is able to understand the burden Blanco has put on herself to benefit the

This influential speech inspires the people of Louisiana while demanding support from the Louisiana legislature. Blanco uses ethos to honor the people who provided safety and shelter for survivors, and refers to the Louisiana legislature to answer the call of action. She uses pathos by being sympathetic towards the families affected by this devastating hurricane. Moreover, she uses repetition to refer to other instances where communities have prevailed from horrific events and thrived. Finally, she employs both positive and negative diction to set the tone for the audience. With this culmination of literary devices, Blanco achieves her goal of mesmerizing the