Winston Churchill's Speech Analysis

The initial tone of this speech by Winston Churchill to the House of Commons is forceful. He states, “I have completed the most important part of this task.” Churchill is asserting his authority over this group of people by demonstrating what he has already done in his short amount of time as Prime Minister. In addition, he uses strong words such as “urgency” and “rigor” to establish his seriousness about his duties as Prime Minister.
When Churchill begins to discuss the war the tone shifts and becomes glum. This sadness is brought about mostly when he discusses all of the different ways England could be attacked. Churchill also says, “I hope I may be pardoned if I do not address the House at any length today.” He continues by saying nearly
the same thing to his family. It is saddening to think he must apologize for his, “blood, toil, tears, and sweat.”
The tone changes in the final paragraph to one of confidence. The tone is presented though the uplifting answers to his rhetorical questions. Additionally, confidence is portrayed through the repetition of the words “victory” and “survival”. These words affirm his assurance in his country’s ability to win the war. He ends the speech with a call to action to assure the audience that they can do something to help as well.