Pathos Dissection

ORDER OF THE DAY

GENERAL DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

In his Order of the Day to the military troops of the Allied Expeditionary Force, General Dwight D. Eisenhower heavily employed the use of pathos with the central aim of leading his men to victory. He did this in several distinct ways.

1.     First and foremost, Eisenhower speaks with a forceful and eloquent tone that inspires within his men a sense of duty to perform with all their strength in order to safeguard the liberties of their people. His tone mirrors the pressing nature of the life-or-death trial his men are about to face, emphasizing the vitality of the battle, reminding them of their enemy’s potency while reassuring them that they have what it takes to vanquish their great opponent. He labels their undertaking as “the Great Crusade,” illustrating its magnitude and its fundamental importance in contributing to the fight for freedom.

2.     Secondly, Eisenhower uses distinct words whose connotations stir within his men a spectrum of emotion – from solemnity to anticipation to confidence – and paint an array of vivid images in their minds – from the German war machine to the march of the free men. Phrases such as “elimination of Nazi tyranny,” “fight savagely,” “inflict defeat,” “the tide has turned,” and “great reserves of men” all spring images in the soldiers’ minds about the grave nature of warfare and about the importance of the task they are about to face. It motivates them by reminding them of their purpose in fighting – to protect the frontlines of freedom of their loved ones and of their people. It identifies their enemy, pinpointing their target and gearing their brains on attack mode.

  

3.     Thirdly, Eisenhower inspires in his men a nearly unshakable sense of confidence. He highlights the travails they have already overcome, the victories they have already won against Germany. He reminds them of their superiority in munitions and in fighting men. He highlights the destruction they have already wielded on their adversary so as to inspire positive morale that will fuel them to triumph once more.

4.     Finally, Eisenhower uses the pronouns “I” and “we” to personalize his order, to make a statement that he and his men are in this together, as one unit. He assures them that he has faith in them and instills within them the firm notion that they will settle for nothing less than victory.

Eisenhower employs a myriad of strategies to appeal to his men’s emotions on a nerve-wracking day of battle. Among his strategies were (1) his use of connotative language and loaded words, (2) of rich imagery, (3) of a poignant tone, and finally (4) of personal pronouns that built a bridge between Eisenhower and his men. War is not something that people respond to logically. It is something they understand logically but react to emotionally. In striking his soldiers’ hearts, in pulling their heartstrings, and in provoking within them certain distinct sentiments – namely confidence in their ability, courage to carry through, patriotism for their nations, pride in their worthy cause, and antagonism against their despicable enemies – he creates an emotional atmosphere that is infused with good morale and with a strong hunch that victory is imminent. He leaves his men mentally and emotionally prepared to fight.