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Metaphor Systems In Speeches

These three excerpts from speeches offer examples of metaphor systems (groups of metaphors from the same equation) being used to form convincing arguments. In each case, the metaphor system creates a basic premise (a model for ones imagination to grasp), then works toward a conclusion (an effort to convince the listener).

1) From American President George W. Bush's Second Inaugural Address, delivered at the Capitol in Washington D.C. on January 20, 2005.

"...And as hope kindles hope, millions more will find it. By our efforts, we have lit a fire as well - a fire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power, it burns those who fight its progress, and one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world."

Premise: Freedom is a growing fire which starts as hope.

Conclusion: Freedom begets freedom, and is illuminating and good, bringing safety and warmth to those it reaches.

2) From Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, at Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. on August 28, 1963.

"...This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked "insufficient funds". But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation."

Premise: Opportunity is the currency of the American dream. 

Conclusion: America owes opportunity its to citizens of color, having signed - then defaulted - on an I.O.U. (the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence).

3) From a speech by Mao Tse-tung at the opening of the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on February 1, 1942.

"...So long as a person who has made mistakes does not hide his sickness for fear of treatment or persist in his mistakes until he is beyond cure, so long as he honestly and sincerely wishes to be cured and to mend his ways, we should welcome him and cure his sickness so that he can become a good comrade. We can never succeed if we just let ourselves go and lash out at him. In treating an ideological or a political malady, one must never be rough and rash but must adopt the approach of "curing the sickness to save the patient", which is the only correct and effective method."

Premise: Disagreement with the government is a sickness, and is an entity separate from the afflicted.

Conclusion: The government must offer a gentle cure for a willing patient.

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