1 The oratory of Aneurin Bevan
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Andrew S. Crines
Abstract
Aneurin Bevan's more noteworthy rhetorical orations straddle a twenty-year period between 1940 and 1960. In order to fully demonstrate his communicative impact during these more prominent years of his career, this chapter evaluates eight indicative speeches from the three arenas spanning this period. These include memorable speeches made in the Commons, at public meetings, and to the party conference. He had a strong 'support for Wales, the Welsh language, Welsh culture and Welsh identity'. His values, based on ethical socialism and social justice, enabled him to oratorically confront the complacency of the conservative establishment by drawing upon these beliefs in his rhetoric. Bevan's effectiveness as a parliamentary orator can be illustrated by some examples, which demonstrate how he utilised his communicative skills towards advancing positions and perspectives that he regarded as requisites.
Abstract
Aneurin Bevan's more noteworthy rhetorical orations straddle a twenty-year period between 1940 and 1960. In order to fully demonstrate his communicative impact during these more prominent years of his career, this chapter evaluates eight indicative speeches from the three arenas spanning this period. These include memorable speeches made in the Commons, at public meetings, and to the party conference. He had a strong 'support for Wales, the Welsh language, Welsh culture and Welsh identity'. His values, based on ethical socialism and social justice, enabled him to oratorically confront the complacency of the conservative establishment by drawing upon these beliefs in his rhetoric. Bevan's effectiveness as a parliamentary orator can be illustrated by some examples, which demonstrate how he utilised his communicative skills towards advancing positions and perspectives that he regarded as requisites.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Notes on contributors vii
- Foreword by the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP ix
- Acknowledgements xi
- List of abbreviations xii
- Introduction 1
- 1 The oratory of Aneurin Bevan 14
- 2 The oratory of Hugh Gaitskell 31
- 3 The oratory of Harold Wilson 46
- 4 The oratory of Barbara Castle 62
- 5 The oratory of James Callaghan 76
- 6 The oratory of Michael Foot 93
- 7 The oratory of Tony Benn 110
- 8 The oratory of Neil Kinnock 125
- 9 The oratory of John Smith 141
- 10 The oratory of Tony Blair 156
- 11 The oratory of Gordon Brown 172
- 12 The oratory of Ed Miliband 187
- Conclusion 200
- Bibliography 205
- Index 224
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Notes on contributors vii
- Foreword by the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP ix
- Acknowledgements xi
- List of abbreviations xii
- Introduction 1
- 1 The oratory of Aneurin Bevan 14
- 2 The oratory of Hugh Gaitskell 31
- 3 The oratory of Harold Wilson 46
- 4 The oratory of Barbara Castle 62
- 5 The oratory of James Callaghan 76
- 6 The oratory of Michael Foot 93
- 7 The oratory of Tony Benn 110
- 8 The oratory of Neil Kinnock 125
- 9 The oratory of John Smith 141
- 10 The oratory of Tony Blair 156
- 11 The oratory of Gordon Brown 172
- 12 The oratory of Ed Miliband 187
- Conclusion 200
- Bibliography 205
- Index 224
