The King's Speech: English Speech Contest for Senior High Schools in Taipei City, Contestant 1

Summary

In a poignant speech delivered before World War II, King George VI addresses the grave situation facing the nation. He emphasizes the futility of seeking peaceful resolutions with aggressors who disregard treaties and threaten sovereignty. The king appeals to his people to unite in the face of adversity, asserting that the principle of might over right endangers global order and freedom. He calls for calm determination and faith in their cause, acknowledging the challenges ahead while expressing confidence in their eventual triumph through steadfastness and divine support.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The speech was delivered by King George VI before World War II, marking a crucial moment in history.
• 🌍 The message was intended for every household, emphasizing unity among the people both at home and overseas.
• ⚔️ The speaker highlights the repeated failures to achieve peace and the inevitability of conflict with enemies.
• 📜 It addresses the principle that allows states to disregard treaties and use force against others, labeled as 'might is right.'
• ⚖️ The speech warns that this principle threatens the civilized order and the freedom of the British Commonwealth.
• 😨 The fear of oppression is emphasized, as a failure to confront aggression could lead to global bondage.
• 💔 The ultimate issue is the preservation of world order, peace, and the values held dear by society.
• 🤝 The call to action is for people to remain calm, firm, and united during challenging times.
• 💪 Acknowledges that the road ahead will be difficult, with dark days expected as the war expands beyond the battlefield.
• 🙏 The speech ends with a commitment to faith and perseverance, urging collective sacrifice and the hope of eventual victory with divine help.

Q & A

What is the primary theme of King George VI's speech?

The primary theme of the speech is the necessity for unity and resilience in the face of conflict, emphasizing the moral imperative to resist tyranny and uphold civilized order.

What does the speaker convey about previous attempts at peace?

The speaker acknowledges that despite repeated efforts to find a peaceful resolution to conflicts, these attempts have been in vain, leading to the current state of war.

How does the speech define the principle that is being challenged?

The speech defines the principle being challenged as the notion that might is right, where a state can pursue power at the expense of treaties and the sovereignty of others.

What is the significance of mentioning the 'British Commonwealth of Nations'?

Mentioning the 'British Commonwealth of Nations' highlights the interconnectedness and shared values among member nations, reinforcing the idea that their freedom is at stake in the fight against tyranny.

What emotional tone does the speaker adopt in the address?

The speaker adopts a tone of solemnity and determination, aiming to inspire calmness and unity among the people during a challenging and uncertain time.

What does the speaker call upon the people to do?

The speaker calls upon the people to stand calm, firm, and united, making the cause of resistance to tyranny their own and preparing for the sacrifices that may be required.

How does the speech address the potential difficulties ahead?

The speech acknowledges that there may be dark days ahead and that the challenges will be hard, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's convictions despite the hardships.

What role does faith play in the speech?

Faith plays a crucial role in the speech, as the speaker commits the cause to God and encourages the people to remain faithful and resolute in their efforts, believing they will prevail with divine support.

Why is the concept of 'bondage of fear' mentioned?

The 'bondage of fear' is mentioned to illustrate the consequences of allowing tyrannical principles to prevail, where people would live in constant fear, undermining their hopes for peace and security.

What is the ultimate message the speaker hopes to convey?

The ultimate message is a call to action for the people to stand together against oppression, uphold their values, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of justice and liberty, no matter the cost.