Interpreting Speeches: Write an analysis of the “Day of Infamy” speech. Pay special attention to factors such as the speaker’s purpose and point of view.

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Interpreting Speeches

Listen to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech to Congress on December 8, 1941 (known as the “Day of Infamy Speech” or the “Infamy Speech”) after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. The transcript of the speech is provided here.

  1. Write an analysis of the “Day of Infamy” speech. Pay special attention to factors such as the speaker’s purpose and point of view.
  2. Explain Roosevelt’s reasoning, points of emphasis, and his use of rhetoric and tone, as well as how he links ideas. Use both the written and audio versions of the speech to complete your analysis.