Rhetorical Analysis
After the death of his father King George V, King Edward the VIII rules for less than a year, from January to December 1936 before abdicating his throne for his forbidden lover. On December 11, 1936, the King gives a radio broadcast, announcing his decision to abdicate his throne in order to avoid leading England into a constitutional crisis and leaves his brother the soon-to-be King George VI in his place. King Edward wishes to marry a two time divorcee, Wallis Simpson, and in doing so will lead his country into a constitutional crisis, requiring the government to resign. At this time, divorcees are generally kept out of the Royal Court and many people, both commoners and royals, do not believe Wallis will be suitable…show more content… Choosing to be with Wallis, the King signs the Instrument of Abdication on December 10, 1936 and delivers his “Abdication of the Throne” speech to announce his choice and insure it is…show more content… King Edward mentions his brother, his father, and his mother during his speech. He speaks highly of King George VI, his brother, and has “sure knowledge” (Windsor) of George’s ability to help England continue to flourish under his command. Edward praises George’s “fine qualities” (Windsor) as a leader and “declare[s] [his] allegiance to him … with all [his] heart” (Windsor). He conveys a sense of pride of the accomplishments and abilities of his younger brother. Mentioned less than the succeeding King is Edward’s mother and family who have “comforted” (Windsor) him during these “hard days” (Windsor). While Edward never explicitly puts down his father, he had a strained relationship with him. The only time Edward mentions the late George V is to say that George “bred [him] in the constitutional tradition” (Windsor) which should have helped him to not let any “any such issues arise.” George V had minimal faith in his eldest son’s abilities to rule a country, telling the Prime Minister, “after [he is] dead, the boy will ruin himself in twelve months” (Price). True to George’s prediction, Edward “ruin[ed] himself” within 11 months of his father’s death and his ascension to the throne. Despite the strained relationship he had with George before his death, Edward still mentions
