Language of Persuasion

View video clip Once More Unto the Breach. Ask students for initial responses to the speech and discuss briefly.

Provide copies of speech Once More Unto the Breach In pairs, read the speech aloud and then highlight examples of persuasive language.

Gather the class together. Using an interactive whiteboard or OHT, read through the speech. Ask students to suggest examples of persuasive language they have identified. Highlight the text and prompt the students to explain how the persuasive devices work. Extend the list, drawing attention to features that the students may not have been identified.

Examples (this list is illustrative not exhaustive).

Once more unto the breach, DEAR FRIENDS, once more An expression of familiarity is used to suggest comradeship

On, on, you noblest English,/Whose blood is fet from fathers of war proof!-/ Fathers that, like so many Alexanders,/ Have in these parts from morn till even fought Calls on the nobles to live up to their fathers' reputations

And you good yeomen……….. For there is none of you so mean and base / That hath not noble lustre in your eyes. Flatters the ordinary soldiers, builds self-image

I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips/ Straining upon the start. The game's afoot! Builds the excitement of the battle with the metaphor of the hunt.

But when the blast of war blows in OUR ears First person plural suggests that speaker and listeners are as one

Cry, 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George! Impassioned nationalistic rallying cry. FOLLOW your spirit Imperative verb form

Consider Henry's use of appeal (logical, personal, emotional).

Issue for consideration: how patriotic language can quickly imply negative qualities in other nations.

Extension Students might work in pairs to identify the persuasive devices used in another of Henry's speeches (e.g. Before Harfleur or St Crispin's Day)

Summarise What have we learned about the persuasive language used in Henry V's speeches?