Crisis of Confidence: Analysis

Crisis of Confidence: Analysis

Symbols, Motifs, and Rhetorical Devices

Rhetoric

PathosBy definition, rhetoric is at least partially out of the speaker's control. No matter how effective a speaker structures her arguments, it's ultimately up to the audience how to interpret and...

Structure

SpeechWe know what you're thinking: it's a speech because Jimmy Carter spoke it. But it's important to understand why this was spoken as opposed to just written, and why the President himself spoke...

What's Up With the Title?

Crisis of Confidence vs. Malaise SpeechLike Harvey Dent, this speech has two faces—and two titles that it goes by. If you support President Carter's message, you might refer to it as the "Crisis...

What's Up With the Opening Lines?

Let's look at the first three paragraphs here.This is a special night for me. Exactly three years ago, on July 15, 1976, I accepted the nomination of my party to run for President of the United Sta...

What's Up With the Closing Lines?

In closing, let me say this: I will do my best, but I will not do it alone. Let your voice be heard. Whenever you have a chance, say something good about our country. With God's help and for the sa...

Tough-o-Meter

(2) Sea LevelIn the speech "A Crisis of Confidence,"Jimmy Carter is speaking to all Americans, from the Ivy League to the ivy growing in your backyard. He speaks clearly and simply. Even the logic...

Shout-Outs

In-Text ReferencesHistorical and Political ReferencesCamp David (5)OPEC (20, 42)God (31, 60)John F. Kennedy (38)Robert Kennedy (38)Martin Luther King, Jr. (38)Watergate Scandal (38)World War II (47...

Trivia

Jimmy Carter vs. The Killer Rabbit: 'Nuff Said. (Source)Jimmy Carter appeared in Playboy (with his clothes on, that is). (Source) Although it's largely regarded as a failure, to some, the "Crisis o...