George Washington Character Traits

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What qualities mark a great, respectable man? Surely, in order for others to consider him an exceptional man, he must be virtuous and brave. Historians illustrate a large multitude of historical figures to be admirable, yet they dont elaborate as to why. In Jane Addams address commemorating George Washingtons birthday, she clearly articulates how and why Washington earned his legacy as an incredible man. Addams not only examines Washington as a statesman, she also analyses him as a soldier and as a citizen. By taking advantage of several different points of view and the readers imagination, Addams allows the reader to grasp how important Washingtons legacy is.

Addams analysis of three different parts of George Washingtons character provides a strong argument detailing how he was, in many aspects, respectable. To start off, she elaborates as to why people should mimic Washington as he was when he was a soldier. She explains how a solder such as Washington …holds his personal suffering of no account and that all of those within a nation should preserve that same spirit of the soldier. This part of Addams speech is her evidence as to how even Washingtons legacy as a soldier should be looked upon as memorable and reputable. Following on with this trend, Addams analyses the most famous section of Washingtons life: his legacy as a statesman. By explaining that he was sustained [by]… the belief that& all men are created free and equal when toiling upon the creation of constitution, Addams implies that everyone as well should be driven by our belief of how all people are equal. Furthermore, in order to prove how Washington was an admirable citizen, she examines Washington as he was once he had retired. Addams explains that Washington was afraid holding office any longer might bring& harm to his beloved nation. Although being president put him in a position of power, he retired to prevent the nation from becoming corrupt. By including this fact within her address, Addams is telling the audience that Washington always wanted the best for the nation, even though he could have had more power, and therefore he was respectable. Supported by her analysis of different points within Washingtons life, Addams reinforces how people should follow in Washingtons footsteps.

Through Addams manipulation of the readers imagination, she paints a believable picture of what Washington would have done, supporting her claim that his legacy is one society should follow. When talking about what Washington was like as a statesman, Addams asks, …if he knew that all about us are forces making against skill, making against the best manhood and womanhood, what would he say? Addams answers her own question with He would say that& if we once lose like opportunity we lose the only chance we have toward equality throughout the nation. Although Washington never said such a thing, Addams uses her audiences imagination to her advantage in order to make them believe that he definitely would. By connecting the present to the past, Addams indicates to the audience that Washingtons legacy, even as it is imagined, should be revered as honorable enough for us to follow in his footsteps.

Addams analysis of different points of view and her manipulation of the readers imagination reinforces her claim that society should follow Washingtons legacy. She investigates Washington as a statesman, a soldier, and a citizen. As a result, Addams analysis is more convincing due to the dissection of the more overlooked parts of Washingtons character. Using the audiences imagination and saying what he would have said, she reinforces Washingtons legacy of being an exemplary man. Therefore, Addams inspection of Washingtons character is convincing enough to instill the feeling of wanting to follow his footsteps within the audience.

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