Wilberforce 1789 abolition speech and the English Bill of Rights

Question

Follow me what strategies do both documents use to persuade their audience
Both documents use personal pronouns to convey opinions both documents outline while things are not currently working and give direction on how to make positive change both documents list a series of wrongs committed by members of the government both document the pill to the audience of motions

Answer 1

Both William Wilberforce’s speech advocating for the abolition of the slave trade in 1789 and the English Bill of Rights of 1689 utilize several persuasive strategies to engage their audiences and promote their objectives. Here are some of the key strategies they share:

1. Use of Personal Pronouns: Both documents employ personal pronouns (such as "we," "our," and "you") to create a sense of connection and inclusivity with the audience. This approach fosters a shared responsibility and collective action, allowing the speaker or writer to make a strong emotional appeal to the audience's sense of duty and conscience.

2. Identification of Issues: Wilberforce, in his speech, highlights the moral and ethical implications of the slave trade, outlining the inhumane treatment and suffering of enslaved people. Similarly, the English Bill of Rights addresses the grievances against the monarchy, detailing abuses of power and violations of rights. By clearly identifying what is wrong, both documents set the stage for their respective calls to action.

3. Call for Change: Both documents not only identify problems but also suggest a way forward. Wilberforce calls for immediate action to abolish the slave trade, appealing to the moral sensibilities of his audience. The English Bill of Rights provides a framework for governing that protects citizens from arbitrary authority and outlines how rights should be upheld. This forward-looking approach inspires hope and encourages the audience to envision a better future.

4. Listing Grievances/Wrongdoings: Both texts include a list of grievances or wrongdoings. Wilberforce lists the atrocities and injustices associated with the slave trade, while the English Bill of Rights itemizes the limitations and abuses of monarchical power. This strategy underscores the urgency for reform, providing compelling evidence that change is needed.

5. Appeal to Emotions: Both Wilberforce and the authors of the English Bill of Rights appeal to the emotions of their audiences. Wilberforce evokes feelings of compassion and guilt regarding the treatment of enslaved individuals, while the English Bill of Rights evokes sentiments of justice, freedom, and the protection of civil rights. This emotional engagement is crucial for persuading the audience to take action.

6. Moral and Ethical Appeal: Wilberforce frames the abolition of the slave trade as a moral imperative, urging his audience to consider their ethical responsibilities. The English Bill of Rights situates its arguments within a broader context of justice and rights, appealing to the audience's sense of fairness and the importance of governance based on the consent of the governed.

In summary, both documents employ strategies such as personal engagement through pronouns, identification of wrongs, calls for action, and emotional appeals to effectively persuade their audiences. Ultimately, they aim to motivate individuals to recognize injustices and work towards significant societal change.