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Lou Gehrig, confronted with a terminal illness, bid his final farewell to professional baseball on July 4th, 1939, during Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium. His succinct yet powerful speech conveyed a profound appreciation for his experiences, the people he had encountered, and a hopeful outlook for what lay ahead. Gehrig skillfully employed rhetorical devices, such as ethos, pathos, and parallel structure, to connect with the audience and inspire them to cherish the moments and relationships in their own lives.
Gehrig strategically establishes ethos early in his speech by highlighting his extensive seventeen-year career in professional baseball.
This introductory statement conveys to the audience that Gehrig is no novice in the realm of the American pastime, enhancing his credibility. Even though Gehrig's reputation as a baseball legend precedes him, emphasizing his long-standing commitment to the sport reinforces his authority on the subject. Additionally, Gehrig names influential figures in baseball, such as Jacob Ruppert, Ed Barrow, Miller Huggins, and Joe McCarthy, further solidifying his connection to the game and its key personalities.
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This use of ethos not only lends authenticity to Gehrig's words but also instills a sense of awe in the audience for the esteemed individuals he had the privilege to know and work with.
Gehrig's illustrious career began in the 1920s, a period marked by significant social and economic changes in the United States. As he emerged as a prominent figure in baseball, Gehrig witnessed the country's transition from the Roaring Twenties to the challenging era of the Great Depression.
The tumultuous times influenced Gehrig's worldview and values, shaping his perspective on the game and life itself. Through his tenure with the New York Yankees, Gehrig not only became a sporting icon but also a witness to the evolving fabric of American society.
Furthermore, Gehrig's ethos extends beyond his on-field achievements to his personal connections within the baseball community. His acknowledgment of Jacob Ruppert, Ed Barrow, Miller Huggins, and Joe McCarthy highlights the depth of his relationships with key figures in the sport. These associations contribute to Gehrig's credibility as he reflects on his career and imparts wisdom to the audience. The intertwining of personal experiences and historical context establishes Gehrig as a trustworthy and knowledgeable narrator of his own narrative.
Pathos permeates Gehrig's Farewell to Baseball speech as he introduces the deeply personal elements of his life, focusing on his family. By mentioning his "wonderful mother-in-law," "father and mother," and his wife as a "tower of strength," Gehrig taps into the universal emotions associated with family bonds. The deliberate use of "you" engages the audience emotionally, prompting them to reflect on their own familial relationships. Gehrig skillfully creates a connection by encouraging the audience to mentally compare their families with his, eliciting a range of emotions.
Gehrig's familial references extend beyond the immediate circle to encompass the broader baseball family. Throughout his speech, Gehrig expresses gratitude and camaraderie toward his fellow players and the baseball community. The sense of belonging and shared experiences resonates with the audience, fostering an emotional connection that transcends the confines of the baseball diamond. Gehrig's ability to evoke empathy and stir emotions underscores the human aspect of his farewell, making it relatable to individuals from all walks of life.
Moreover, Gehrig's poignant reflections on family extend to his interactions with teammates and colleagues, emphasizing the familial bonds forged in the crucible of professional baseball. The shared struggles, triumphs, and the collective pursuit of excellence create a familial camaraderie that defines Gehrig's worldview. As he bids farewell to his extended baseball family, Gehrig's emotional appeal extends beyond the confines of the sports arena, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who bear witness to his poignant words.
The written form of Gehrig's speech prominently features parallel structure, employing a series of balanced and parallel sentences. These sentences, starting with "when you have...," form a progression that accentuates the growing appreciation Gehrig feels. Through parallelism, Gehrig conveys his deep sense of luck for the remaining aspects of his life, urging the audience to recognize their own fortunes.
Gehrig's masterful use of parallel structure serves as a literary tool to express his profound gratitude and inspire the audience to reflect on their own lives. The repetition of the phrase "when you have" emphasizes the abundance of blessings in Gehrig's life, creating a rhythmic cadence that underscores the significance of each element mentioned. From the "wonderful mother-in-law" to the unwavering support of his wife, Gehrig employs parallelism to highlight the richness of his experiences and relationships.
Furthermore, Gehrig's parallel structure extends beyond personal blessings to encompass broader themes of resilience, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of the American Dream. The repetitive structure serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of human experiences and the shared journey toward a fulfilling life. Gehrig's deliberate use of parallelism not only reinforces the central theme of appreciation but also invites the audience to embark on a reflective journey, considering their own "luckiest" moments in life.
In conclusion, Lou Gehrig's Farewell to Baseball is a masterful demonstration of rhetorical devices used to convey a powerful message of appreciation. Gehrig's establishment of ethos through his baseball career and connections, combined with the emotional resonance of pathos, creates a poignant narrative. The parallel structure serves as a literary tool to express Gehrig's profound gratitude and inspire the audience to reflect on their own lives. Gehrig's farewell transcends the realm of sports, leaving behind a timeless lesson in cherishing the moments, relationships, and blessings that define the human experience.
Lou Gehrig's Farewell: A Lesson in Appreciation. (2017, Feb 06). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/farewell-to-baseball-analysis-essay
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