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Eulogy for Diana: A Rhetorical Analysis

 

            Eulogy for Diana: A Rhetorical Analysis.
             Following Princess Diana's tragic and unexpected death in 1997, her younger brother, 9th Earl Spencer, gave a speech during her service, representing his family members in grief. The eulogy was delivered at the state funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, in Westminster Abbey on 6th of September, 1997. In his speech, Spencer expresses personal grief and demonstrates deep appreciation and respect for his deceased sister. His eulogy was a particularly powerful one, considering the unique circumstances surrounding Princess Diana's death: her on-going feud with the royal family and her tumultuous relationship with the media. .
             The oration was broadcasted worldwide and provoked strong feelings from the public. In his reverent yet sober eulogy for Princess Diana, Earl Spencer, an author, print journalist, and younger brother to Diana, recalls some of her remarkable characteristics in order to celebrate the ordinary humanity, and not so much the celebrity, of his sister. .
             Spencer's main purpose was to celebrate Diana's life. By acknowledging her human flaws and weaknesses, he was able to connect with the audience and demonstrate Diana's compassion and humanity: "Diana was the very essence of compassion, of duty, of style, of beauty. All over the world she was a symbol of selfless humanity". 1 With this quote he is able to evoke Diana's charming essence and benevolent attitude as the Princess of Wales. .
             Spencer's ethical appeal (ethos) relies on his distinctive credibility as a grieving brother, a familial advocate and a Royal critic. In his quote: "My own, and only explanation is that genuine goodness is threatening to those at the opposite end of the moral spectrum". 1 he also allures to ethos, by suggesting that those who disliked Princess Diana only really disliked her strong moral values.
             The author appeals to the audience's emotions (pathos) several times throughout the speech.


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