“Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat” Winston Churchill

“Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat”Winston Churchill By: Rebecca Smith

Speaker • Winston Churchill • Prime Minister of England from 1940-1945 and then again from 1950-1955 • Won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953

Occasion • On May 13, 1940 in the House of Commons in London, England. • First speech as Prime Minister. • Churchill was expected to talk about Britain's war efforts in World War II.

Audience • The initial audience was members of the House of Commons and other government officials. They wanted to hear Churchill’s plans for his cabinet and the war. • “Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat” was also broadcast on the radio for the whole nation and world to hear. • Many people were interested in how Churchill would respond to World War II.

Purpose • The purpose of the speech was to inspire and build confidence in the British nation. The government and citizens were unsure of Churchill’s ability to lead a nation. This speech gave them confidence in Churchill that he was ready for the job. • He also explained that Britain can and will win defeat Germany. • At the beginning and end of the speech, Churchill lists ways he is taking authority as Prime Minister. • “I have completed the most important part of this task. A War Cabinet has been formed of five Members, representing, with the Opposition Liberals, the unity of the nation.” • “It was necessary that this should be done in one single day, on account of the extreme urgency and rigour of events.” • “I feel sure that our cause will not be suffered to fail among men. At this time I feel entitled to claim the aid of all, and I say, "come then, let us go forward together with our united strength."

Subject • The subject of Churchill’s speech was about Britain’s actions in World War II and how he will lead the nation. • This was a pivotal time in the war for England and Churchill was someone the nation needed to look up too. • The Nazi’s were ready to invade England and Churchill stood up for the nation, saying they will fight to the end and never give up. • “We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might.”

Tone • The tone of “Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat” changes though-out the speech. • When Churchill starts off, his tone is very informational and formal. He is explaining how he is making changes to his political cabinet and talking to the House members. • In the last two paragraphs the tone changes to hopeful and inspirational. He explains how England needs to win this war and give the nation hope in his leadership. • The tone does stay serious during the entire speech.

Ethos, Pathos and Logos • Ethos: Churchill establishes automatic ethos since he is the Prime Minister of England. • Pathos: In several parts of his speech, Churchill gains an emotional connection with the audience by saying “our policy,” “what is our policy,” and ”what is our aim.” He makes them feel like they will fight and when this war even if they are not at battle themselves. • He also establishes pathos by using powerful phrases and words. ”I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this government: ’I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.’” This really grabs at the audiences emotions and shows them Churchill will do anything for his country. • Logos & Pathos: ” You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror.”

Literary Devices • In the fifth paragraph, Churchill uses anaphora and repetition several times. • “It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival. Let that be realised; no survival for the British Empire, no survival for all that the British Empire has stood for, no survival for the urge and impulse of the ages.”

Conclusion • In conclusion, Winston Churchill’s speech left a big impact on British people. He gained their confidence and they now had hope in their country and military. After this speech, they truly believed they would defeat Hitler and the Nazi’s.

Video • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TlkN-dcDCk

Citation • http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1953/churchill-bio.html • http://felixessays.blogspot.com/2012/11/winston-churchill-blood-toil-tears-and.html • https://www.winstonchurchill.org/learn/speeches/speeches-of-winston-churchill/1940-finest-hour/92-blood-toil-tears-and-sweat • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_churchill

“Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat” Winston Churchill