We shall fight on the Beaches

A textual analysis of ‘We shall fight on the Beaches,’ by Sir Winston Churchill spoken on June 4, 1940 in the House of Commons.

Spoken on the 4^th of June 1940 in the House of Commons, ‘We Shall Fight on the Beaches’ shares the characteristics of a speech; making use of relevant subject material, clarity of tone, definiteness of message, and taking consideration of the target audience. Through his use of appeal, allusion and anaphora, Sir Winston Churchill informs the audience of the risk of a Nazi invasion and in hopes of rallying those present; encourages all to stand steadfast and put on a patriotic show of support in favour of the British Empire. As one might expect, the intended audience of this text would be the British populous, specifically members of parliament who would have been seated at the House of Commons.

Set amidst the turmoil of the Second World War, ‘We Shall Fight on the Beaches’ acts as a last-ditch effort to band the nation of Britain against the Nazi foe. The address prepares the British people for the inevitably that the global conflict may in fact reach their very beaches. Furthermore, the speech acting as a primary account provides insight into Britain’s state, as well as that of mainland Europe’s in face of the escalating Nazi Threat. Commencing with a brief background of Britain’s predicament and its responsibilities as a nation, the speech progresses to divulge the existence of certain insurgents within the nation. Churchill reveals that he does feel the “slightest sympathy” towards theses individuals and that Parliament has approved the elimination of such “Fifth Column activities” and whatever means necessary to ensure the “supervision” and “correction” of the “House.” Churchill continues to reveal Britain’s rich military legacy before arriving at the crescendo of his address, the peroration, no doubt one of Churchill’s finest oratorical moments, declaring the extent to which Britain will go to thwart her foe.

The narrative adopts a somewhat doleful but ultimately chauvinistic mood and this evident through the expressions Churchill employs to stir the crowd: “The British Empire and the French Republic…will defend to the death their native soil,” “We shall go on to the end,” and “We shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be” to name but a few. And this should be expected, as the speech’s very subject martial, is the future of free Europe. Despite this, the Churchill’s tone is ultimately uplifting and through the attitude of his piece depicts a light at the end of the tunnel. This notion is most apparent in his closing statement, “ if… this Island… were subjugated…then our Empire beyond the seas... would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old,” substantiating the claim that Europe will in fact claim it’s fitting and just end.

As with any awe-inspiring speech, Churchill’s account makes use of a number of literary devices, in an effort to further his cause. Most notably one may note his use of Appeal- ethos, pathos, and logos. Throughout the address, Churchill refers to both himself and the audience using the plural pronoun, “We” and this is shown numerous times throughout the text: “We shall not be content,” “We have our duty,” and etc. In doing so, Churchill casts an equal share of the nation’s task upon all those in attendance, forcing the cause upon them if you will and casting the matter in a personal light. This move further acts to justify his actions as he argues that they are in fact that of the whole. This serves as an example of appeal, as the speech’s essence is now far more relatable to the audience who now share the responsibility of ensuring the victory and survival of Britain. One might also note Churchill’s constant tie ins and referrals to the government and monarchy: “His Majesty's Government” and “Parliament has given us the powers,” an attempt no doubt to attest his claims and pull on the nationalist strings of the nations, an example once more of appeal.  More specifically, the speech serves to build Churchill’s credibility revealing all he is to do regarding the invasion. Furthermore Churchill’s use of heavy factual detail, accounting the endeavours of past would be invaders and the bravado of the British Empire, only add to this image of surety. In addition his mention of the statement “We shall fight,” casts the country in a unified light as they engage in a just and worthy cause, providing the incentive to hold fast and carry on. All in all, this serves to highlight Churchill’s appeal to logos, ethos and pathos. Further literary devices include allusion, which Churchill makes use of through his telling of Napoleon’s failed invasion of Britain and the nation’s long history of forestalling occupancy. However the pinnacle and trademark literacy device is no doubt Anaphora. “We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills …”The repetition and emphasis on this iconic phrase “We shall fight” makes the line memorable, creating a dramatic emotional pull while adding a certain rhythm and cadence to the speaker’s words.

The speech unfolds in a rather candid fashion and its structure serves to not distract from its primary message. Rather the easy to follow manner in which the speech is set allows the audience to retain Churchill’s key points and follow his train of thought. Furthermore the title of the speech “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” only adds to the speech’s sense of remembrance and awe.

In closing, Churchill’s public speech warns the British people of the likelihood of Nazi invasion and informs the nation of the crisis that engulfs them. However, in delivering his address, Churchill does not cast doubt upon the competence of the British military in securing victory, rather recognizing the possibility of a prolonged war and eventual victory. Through his use of appeal, allusion and anaphora instils a hope and confidence in all those present, encouraging the nation to stand steadfast and as one, for in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might shall step forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.