Analysis Of William Deane’S Speech ‘It Is Still Winter At Home’
Deane inspires renewed feelings of nationalism and unity in order to strengthen his audience’s appreciation of Australian values and reinforces a collective national identity, particularly in times of sorrow. Given for diplomatic purposes in response to the deaths of a tourist group, comprising of an Australian majority, in Switzerland, Deane stresses the importance of Australian unity. In the quote “. . . the greatest single peacetime loss of young Australians outside our own country,” Deane employs logos to reinforce the tragedy's enormous impact on the Australian collective conscious. Deane further comments on the impact of the accident - “. . . they died so far away from the homes, the families, the friends and the land they loved so well.”
The cumulation reveals how national identity can be strengthened in times of grief, as sorrow is a unifying, human experience that transcends even nationality. In this way, national identity is all-encompassing and allows people to find comfort in mourning. The “14 sprigs of wattle…” is used as a recurring symbol for Australian values, appealing to the audience’s sense of identity and patriotism. He also uses literary allusion to manipulate the shared experience of death and grief into a message of collective identity - “Anyone’s ‘death diminishes’ us all because we are all ‘involved in mankind. ’” The emotive language suggests that death is a core component of every society and human life, while also persuading the Australian audience members to use their shared national identity to foster unity, working together to overcome trials and times of mourning. Thus, speeches may appeal to a unifying sense of national identity and an appreciation of Australian values in order to overcome grief and mourning.
Deane’s speech is a masterful exploration of domestic and international unity, and exposes how Australian values endure in times of strife. His logos as Governor-General allows him to personalise the experience on behalf of all Australians. His inclusive language and use of imagery captivates his international audience, fostering mutual respect between Australia and the world. However, given his speech was in response to a specific event, it’s enduring worth may be lost as Australia heals. It is also worth noting that the relevance of this speech depends on context - it holds less significance to an audience of a differing nationality, even one of those affected by the event, and pertains in particular to an Australian audience.
However, the values espoused, like nationalism, internationalism, overcoming grief and collective unity, are universal and eternal. Deane proves the eternal value in national identity and highlights that, even in times of sadness, Australian values will always endure.
