Rhetorical Analysis of Madeleine Albright’s Commencement Speech

In Madeleine Albright's - then US Secretary of State - commencement speech to the graduating class of Mount Holyoke College, an all women's college, Albright addresses the accomplishments of the nation while challenging the country to go further, details the actions of women around the globe who pursue a better world, and evokes the passion and faith of the graduating class in order to reveal how perseverance can make a difference in our nation as well as our world and compelling the audience of women to take action. 

First, Albright addresses political issues, detailing the successes our nation has had. She then explains that this is not enough. Stopping at one simple victory does not mean the battle is over. "The Berlin Wall is now a memory. We could be satisfied with that," she says "... the fighting in Bosnia has stopped. We could turn our backs now." The simple word could conveys her message that they have the chance to step back and be satisfied with what they have accomplished but now is not the time. Now is the time to continue the work and persevere to make a change. Albright acknowledges the good work that is done before calling to action and taking a stand to make an even greater difference than before. 

Next, Albright details the lives of women around the world who change the world despite the constant adversity. Describing these women, such as "women weighted down by personal grief [who reach] put across ethnic lines to rebuild their shattered society" highlights the strength that is born from the perseverance of women around the globe. Albright emphasizes each and every women's struggles, from Sarajevo, Burundi, Rwanda, and Guatemala, who economic and political adversities do not hold back their determination for justice, hope, and equality. These women, Albright emphasizes, are all different, and yet "Each has persevered". These stories, these women, connect to the adversities of her audience, moving them to persevere in the face of difficulty. To press on in times of strife and confrontation to meet the end goal: to improve our world and create one which justice, hope, and equality are a reality across all borders through perseverance. 

Finally, in Albright's last words to the graduating class, she embraces the courage and faith of her audience to move them emotionally, which ultimately turns the women to action. "every life enriched by your giving...will ennoble your own life, inspire others, serve your country, and explode outward the boundaries of what is achievable on this earth" she concludes. This moving conclusion resonates throughout the graduating class as Albright calls them forth to action, which will enrich their own lives and the lives of those around them. Stop not at the limitations the world has placed upon this very earth but step forward to bring about change, even when the world tries to drag you down. And what shall enable these women to do so: perseverance.  

In conclusion, Albright's commencement speech to the graduating class of Mount Holyoke College inspires women to persevere and keep going through challenges to ultimately change the world for the better. Her speech acknowledges political events, describes the lives of women around the world who strive for change, and evokes the emotion of her audience so that they can continue the ongoing battle of improving the world and encouraging change through perseverance.