On June 1, 1990, Barbara Pierce Bush delivered a speech to Wellesley College graduates. She was the second choice to deliver the speech after Alice Walker, a feminist author who penned The Color Purple, declined the offer to speak. Some of the feminist students who attended the small women’s university near Boston were outraged that Barbara Bush was to speak at the commencement. After dropping out of Smith College after two years to get married, her only accomplishment, they argued, was being the First Lady of the United States and raising six children; therefore, Mrs. Bush’s ethos was not strong. Some of the outspoken feminists even petitioned for a speaker other than Mrs. Bush, but were not successful (The Atlantic).
Mrs. Bush addressed the …show more content…
Bush makes in the speech may undoubtedly be the most important--cherish relationships with family and friends. I chose her third point as my speech excerpt simply because of the meaning Mrs. Bush emphasized: family, friends, parents, and so on. Without the simple, yet profound, relationships that life presents to each of us, life would surely lose much of its meaning. She goes on to point out to the parents and future parents in the crowd that children must be a top priority in life in order for them to become productive citizens. In saying this, an epizeuxis arises: “You must read to your children, and you must hug your children, and you must love your children.” In repeating “you must” Mrs. Bush emphasizes the importance of being a good parent. I believe the point she is trying to make is to slow down, appreciate each milestone and moment as they happen. Enjoy life and all of the relationships that will come your way.
The metaphor of the mermaid is again brought to life when she refers to the fifty-year tradition of the hoop race and what would be bestowed upon the winner. Many years ago, it was said that “the winner would be the first to be married, today, however, the winner may be the first to become a CEO or both.” This explanation does not take into account what happens to the mythical mermaid...she becomes the first to realize her personal dreams. Again, she brings to light that anything is possible if you take the time to work and achieve your
Mrs. Bush addressed the …show more content…
Bush makes in the speech may undoubtedly be the most important--cherish relationships with family and friends. I chose her third point as my speech excerpt simply because of the meaning Mrs. Bush emphasized: family, friends, parents, and so on. Without the simple, yet profound, relationships that life presents to each of us, life would surely lose much of its meaning. She goes on to point out to the parents and future parents in the crowd that children must be a top priority in life in order for them to become productive citizens. In saying this, an epizeuxis arises: “You must read to your children, and you must hug your children, and you must love your children.” In repeating “you must” Mrs. Bush emphasizes the importance of being a good parent. I believe the point she is trying to make is to slow down, appreciate each milestone and moment as they happen. Enjoy life and all of the relationships that will come your way.
The metaphor of the mermaid is again brought to life when she refers to the fifty-year tradition of the hoop race and what would be bestowed upon the winner. Many years ago, it was said that “the winner would be the first to be married, today, however, the winner may be the first to become a CEO or both.” This explanation does not take into account what happens to the mythical mermaid...she becomes the first to realize her personal dreams. Again, she brings to light that anything is possible if you take the time to work and achieve your