Comparison and Contrast of two U.S Presidential Inaugural Addresses Essay

Comparison and Contrast of two U.S Presidential Inaugural Addresses - Essay Example The paper includes the analysis of the ethos theme of these speeches. The use of ethos is prominent in both the speeches and this theme is majorly used by both the presidents in their speeches. As in the beginning of the speech President Obama used ethos by crediting the audience for his selection and by thanking them and President Bush for the efforts which they have rendered. He also referred to the sacrifices which the people gave in the past as he said: â€Å"I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.† The reference to the past and complete credibility to the audience is an efficient way of appealing to their emotions as people usually do have a soft corner regarding their ancestors and their sacrifices. We can see the very same methodology and use of ethos in President Bush’s speech in which he said: â€Å"As I begin, I thank President Clinton for his service to our nation. And I thank Vice President Gore for a contest conducted with spirit and ended with grace. I am honored and humbled to stand here, where so many of America’s leaders have come before me, and so many will follow.† ... Thanking the previous presidents also reflected that these presidents do not hold grudges against any of the previous leaders and they are humbled by the efforts which the previous leaders have rendered for the state. Both President Obama and President Bush used Ethos to provoke the sense of responsibility in citizens of United States of America. President Obama convinced people that the United States of America can prosper only if each and every individual takes hold of his responsibility and works toward their common goal which is the common benefit and welfare of all the citizens. Ethos usually requires strong and persuasive selection of vocabulary and Obama's strongly framed sentences did the job well and he persuaded the people that they are responsible for the prosperity of the country and for the wellbeing of their fellow citizens as well. It was declared by him: â€Å"For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American p eople upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.† The same phenomenon was delivered by President Bush in these words: â€Å"What you do is as important as anything government does. I ask you to seek a common good beyond your comfort; to defend needed reforms against easy attacks; to serve your nation, beginning with your