IRA Rhetorical Analysis

Name: Gaenzle, Justin

Course: RSW 1301
Title: Rhetorical Analysis

History on the Irish Republic Army Irish Republican Army (IRA), nationalist organization devoted to the
integration of Ireland as a complete and independent unit. Organized by Michael Collins from remnants of
rebel units dispersed after the Easter Rebellion in 1916, and was composed of militant members of the
Irish Volunteers. This group became apart of the military wing of the Sinn Feirn party. With the newly
establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922, the IRA became the stronghold of intransigent opposition to
Great Britain's dominion status of Ireland and to the separation of Northern Ireland. During the troubled
early years of the Free State, the IRA was responsible for numerous bombings, raids, and street battles on
both sides of the Irish border. The IRA both being Popular and effective at first, its opulence turned after
Eamon De Dalvera took over the Free State government in the 1930s. The IRA lost popularity because of
its ever going violence. In 1949 because of the violence the government took measurements against any
illegal activities. The IRA started to swiftly decline because of this action by the British Parliament.
Eventually the IRA was outlawed by both Irish governments. Being outlawed caused the IRA to become a
secret organization. The IRA enacted bombing attacks in Belfast, London, and on the border of Ulster
during the 1950s, then became quiescent until the late 1960s. In the late 1960s the IRA split into two
groups, the majority, advocating for a united socialist Ireland but disavowing any terrorist activities, and
the "provisionals," claiming terrorism as a necessary catalyst for unification. The provisionals then began
a long standing terrorist campaign in Northern Ireland. In the early 1970s the provisionals extended their
hand in terrorism to England. The IRA started to culminate bombings in many places, a well known
bombing was of theBirmingham pub that killed 19 people.

Going in to my visual, what it was about, and what meaning that it had to me. Ireland and its people have
had 800 years of British occupation. The ethos of this picture appealed to me because of its strong
statement by Bobby Sands and also for the ever ready Provo i.e. (freedom fighter) willing to fight and
die so their country can be free of tyranny. Some of pathos in the picture was the Provo wearing the
mask to protect their identity for the safety of their family. Also showing the Provo ready to kill for the
freedom of Ireland and its people. The use of the word resistance in large print and bolded, so in hopes
that people will make the right decision and make a stand against the British on going occupation. The

logos was heavily intertwined with the other two Ive stated upon. With use of the red back ground and its
multiple meanings of love, lust, passion, revenge and hate. The Provo with a riffle in hand always ready
to kill and die for their country on a whim. The use of Bobby Sands and his statement that show that the
Irish people just want to be free.

In conclusion the IRA has had both good and bad periods in its life span. With that being said thats why I
chose the IRA as my topic. The visual it self has shown great ethos, pathos, and logos using a red
background, a Provo, Bobby Sands and statement with the word resistance above it. When you add all
that together plus the history of the IRA you get a good understanding of the duality of man. It truly
shows you to what extent people will go to have freedom.