A Prescription for National Character

Research Paper # 99678

English > Analysis
History > U.S. Presidency
Public Administration

An analysis of George Washington's farewell address.

2,220 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2006 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper presents and discusses George Washington's farewell address. The paper discusses the content of the speech and its implications for the future of the United States. It presents examples from the speech and then analyzes them. The paper also discusses how Washington was viewed by the American people in terms of his presidency.

From the Paper:

"On a basic level, George Washington's Farewell Address seems to be a prescription for future political action in America. His most apparent objectives concern foreign affairs, party politics, and preservation of union. However, upon a closer reading of the speech, it seems that he was more concerned with establishing a certain ethical character for the young country. Naturally, this ethical character was heavily rooted in his own moral framework and seemed to presume that all Americans share convictions within his moral boundaries. Washington's speech is undoubtedly dominated by his pragmatic suggestions for the political future of America although he was able to effectively convey his ethical submissions despite their subtlety. Perhaps the reason for his success is due to his unique rhetorical strategies including juxtaposing practical, concrete claims with more understated ethical claims, employing a conversational tone, and projecting his moral character. By any other speaker, this speech could be viewed as manipulative since the true agenda is somewhat less obvious. However, Washington's legacy as the country's greatest hero during and following his life, legitimizes his presumptive claims and restrained ethical suggestions."

Sample of Sources Used:

CBS News. "Poll: Bush Ratings At All-Time Low." Feb 27 2006. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/27/opinion/polls/main1350874.shtml
Douglass: George Washingon, "Farewell Address," 19 September 1796. <http://Douglassarchive.org/wash_a36.htm> Washington, George. "Farewell Address. 19 September 1796

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APA Citation:

A Prescription for National Character (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 10, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Research-Paper-A-Prescription-for-National-Character/99678

MLA Citation:

"A Prescription for National Character" 15 January 2012. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. <http://www.academon.com/Research-Paper-A-Prescription-for-National-Character/99678>