8 The oratory of Neil Kinnock
-
David S. Moon
Abstract
This chapter offers one of the finest examples of British political oratory, Neil Kinnock. Similarly in line with consensus, it argues that few individuals' oratory has had as significant and important an effect upon the fortunes and future of the British Labour Party as Kinnock's. In his aim as leader of fundamentally changing the culture and politics of the Labour movement, Kinnock can claim success. Focusing therein on the three key concepts of pathos, ethos and logos, a clear narrative presents itself, tied inexorably into the notion of Kinnock as a purveyor of hwyl. In making this case the Welsh concept of hwyl is introduced as an explanatory tool and incorporation into the wider terminology of oratorical and rhetorical literatures. Kinnock was admittedly never a 'Commons man' who has described his dislike of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) and the ilk.
Abstract
This chapter offers one of the finest examples of British political oratory, Neil Kinnock. Similarly in line with consensus, it argues that few individuals' oratory has had as significant and important an effect upon the fortunes and future of the British Labour Party as Kinnock's. In his aim as leader of fundamentally changing the culture and politics of the Labour movement, Kinnock can claim success. Focusing therein on the three key concepts of pathos, ethos and logos, a clear narrative presents itself, tied inexorably into the notion of Kinnock as a purveyor of hwyl. In making this case the Welsh concept of hwyl is introduced as an explanatory tool and incorporation into the wider terminology of oratorical and rhetorical literatures. Kinnock was admittedly never a 'Commons man' who has described his dislike of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) and the ilk.
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
