Speech on Conciliation with America by Edmund Burke : Structure of the Speech

Burke’s speeches are the outcome of his superior knowledge and political sensibility. As an orator, he always moves with a plan. In the construction of his speeches, he strictly abides by classical principles. The plan and design are architectural. Structurally the speech may be divided into several parts. Burke has very carefully designed his speech and his move from one part to another is logical and planned. In the first part of the speech, Burke introduces the subject to his audience. He also puts forward his proposal of peace. After that, the speech progresses through three phases: an ostensibly objective review of America and the facts of her condition; an argument for restoring colonial loyalty through self-taxation; and a defense of the resolutions as the best course of future action. In the next part, Burke discusses the different methods of dealing with the discontent American people and shows that a policy of conciliation is the only solution. In the final part, Burke enumerates his proposals and resolutions, which he considers the best courses of future action. He enunciates his six fundamental resolutions, which he labels as resolutions of facts, and three corollary resolutions, which in his opinion, are resolutions of policy. He criticizes Lord North’s scheme and exposes its defects; makes a comparison between Lord North’s scheme and his own scheme and shows the superiority of his scheme. Burke concludes the speech by making a stirring appeal. Burke appeals to the parliamentarians by wishing that England elevates herself to the greatness of the trust that Providence has placed in her hands and extend to American English privileges and thus lay the foundation of lasting peace.