Exploring the Text

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  1. The rhetorical situation for this speech is that Theodore Roosevelt, one of the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War of 1898 (the invitation to the banquet referred to him as “Colonel Roosevelt”) and newly elected governor of New York, was being honored at a banquet by the Hamilton Club, an exclusive members-only organization established in 1890. How does he tailor his speech to this audience (which was all male)? What ethos does he establish?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - The rhetorical situation for this speech is that Theodore Roosevelt, one of the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War of 1898 (the invitation to the banquet referred to him as “Colonel Roosevelt”) and newly elected governor of New York, was being honored at a banquet by the Hamilton Club, an exclusive members-only organization established in 1890. How does he tailor his speech to this audience (which was all male)? What ethos does he establish?
  2. What is the relationship among freedom, leisure, idleness, and work as Roosevelt uses those terms in the third paragraph?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - What is the relationship among freedom, leisure, idleness, and work as Roosevelt uses those terms in the third paragraph?
  3. How does Roosevelt define gender roles in this speech? Consider his definition of “man’s work” and a woman’s role as described in paragraph 4. How do these assumptions guide Roosevelt’s argument about the qualities most essential for national vigor and vitality?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - How does Roosevelt define gender roles in this speech? Consider his definition of “man’s work” and a woman’s role as described in paragraph 4. How do these assumptions guide Roosevelt’s argument about the qualities most essential for national vigor and vitality?
  4. How does Roosevelt interpret the Civil War as demonstrating that America was not a nation of “weaklings” (par. 5)?

    Question

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    Exploring the Text: - How does Roosevelt interpret the Civil War as demonstrating that America was not a nation of “weaklings” (par. 5)?
  5. Ultimately, what does Roosevelt believe is “most American in the American character” (par. 1)? What are “those virile qualities necessary to win in the stern strife of actual life” (par. 3)?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Ultimately, what does Roosevelt believe is “most American in the American character” (par. 1)? What are “those virile qualities necessary to win in the stern strife of actual life” (par. 3)?
  6. What purpose does Roosevelt achieve through his example of China (par. 6)?

    Question

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    Exploring the Text: - What purpose does Roosevelt achieve through his example of China (par. 6)?
  7. How does Roosevelt make the transition from exhorting the virtues of “the strenuous life” for individuals to arguing that similar characteristics are necessary in the life of the nation? How convincing do you find this analogy? Consider the concluding paragraph of the excerpt in your analysis.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - How does Roosevelt make the transition from exhorting the virtues of “the strenuous life” for individuals to arguing that similar characteristics are necessary in the life of the nation? How convincing do you find this analogy? Consider the concluding paragraph of the excerpt in your analysis.
  8. The Hamilton Club, organized in 1890, catered to an exclusive membership selected through an application process governed by its leadership. The club’s objective was stated as follows: “This Club is incorporated for the advancement of political science; to promote good government—local, state and national; to develop the growth and spread of patriotism and of Republican principles; and to cultivate friendly and social relations among its members.” How does Roosevelt’s speech reflect these goals?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - The Hamilton Club, organized in 1890, catered to an exclusive membership selected through an application process governed by its leadership. The club’s objective was stated as follows: “This Club is incorporated for the advancement of political science; to promote good government—local, state and national; to develop the growth and spread of patriotism and of Republican principles; and to cultivate friendly and social relations among its members.” How does Roosevelt’s speech reflect these goals?
  9. Roosevelt ends this exuberant speech by claiming that “our country calls not for the life of ease but for the life of strenuous endeavor” if the country is to achieve “true national greatness.” To what extent do you see his perspective in today’s national discourse?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Roosevelt ends this exuberant speech by claiming that “our country calls not for the life of ease but for the life of strenuous endeavor” if the country is to achieve “true national greatness.” To what extent do you see his perspective in today’s national discourse?