Analysis of “The Final Speech From The Great Dictator”
By
Charlie Chaplin
Submitted as part of the Leadership Communication course
requirement.
Under the supervision of
Prof. Smarak Samarjeet
By
Bafna Shubham Hitendrakumar
MBA24170
Section- C
Contents
Introduction..............................................................................................................................2
Rhetorical Elements.................................................................................................................2
Meta-markers ...........................................................................................................................3
Analyzing the Speaker's Stance..............................................................................................3
Linguistic Components in Context .........................................................................................4
Connections to Leadership Communication .........................................................................5
Leadership Profile ...................................................................................................................6
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................6
References .................................................................................................................................7
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Introduction
The final speech from The Great Dictator (1940) by Charlie Chaplin promotes peace,
democracy, and unity. With many rhetorical devices, linguistic elements, and persuasive
techniques, Chaplin crafts an intense appeal against totalitarianism and oppression. This
analysis explores the rhetorical elements, meta-markers, speaker's stance, linguistic
components, and leadership profile constructed through the speech. It also connects the
themes with leadership communication elements discussed in Written and Oral
Communication (WOC), Interpersonal Skills (IS), and Critical Thinking classes.
Rhetorical Elements
Anaphora
Chaplin employs anaphora to emphasize key messages and evoke emotional resonance. The
repetition of "We want..." in "We want to live by each other's happiness—not by each other's
misery." reinforces the collective desire for a just society. Similarly, "You are not machines!
You are not cattle! You are men!" contrasts oppression and human dignity.
Metaphor
The speech is rich in metaphors that make abstract concepts more tangible. "Greed has
poisoned men's souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into misery
and bloodshed." personifies greed and militarism as agents of destruction. The phrase
"machine men with machine minds and machine hearts" vividly portrays the atrocities
committed by dictators.
Hypophora
There is a rhetorical question and an instant answer (hypophora) in "To those who can hear
me, I say—do not despair." This method keeps people's attention by simultaneously handling
their worries and reassuring them.
Tricolon
Chaplin uses the tricolon to add rhythm to his words, which makes it more powerful. "The
power to build machines. The power to make people happy! "The power to make this life free
and beautiful!" stresses people's freedom of choice.
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Allusion
Chaplin alludes to the Bible: "The Kingdom of God is within man—not one man nor a group
of men, but in all men!" This biblical reference appeals to moral authority, reinforcing his
universal message.
Meta-markers
Meta-markers help the audience follow along with the speech and ensures that it makes sense
and that the ideas are given in an organized way. These linguistic features help mark
transitions, stress key points, and keep the logical flow of the speech.
For example, the sentence "To those who can hear me" changes from describing the pain to
offering hope and closure. It addresses the audience directly, creating a personal link and
highlighting the universality of the message. It is also a call so that the speech is not directed
to a favored group but to all humanity.
In the same way, the repetition of "Let us fight." acts as a call to action and stresses the
motivational nature of the message. Chaplin asks the audience to fight tyranny by repeating
this line. The repeat improves persuasive language. He underscores the need for joint action
and pushback against dictators.
Another important meta-marker is the repetition of the words "You, the people, " showing
political action and power. Chaplin puts the burden of change on the viewer. He stresses that
common people have the power to change their fate. He supports democracy and promotes
the speech's theme of unity and opposition.
The difference in statements like "Dictators free themselves, but they enslave the people!"
shows a rhetorical juxtaposition that explains the split between dictatators and the oppressed.
This sharp difference helps put the speech's message in clear and obvious terms to make it
more appealing.
The line "The hate of men will pass, and dictators die." is a temporal meta-marker, suggesting
that the current pain is only temporary and that justice will eventually win. This comforts the
crowd and motivates them to continue fighting for freedom.
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Analyzing the Speaker's Stance
Chaplin's stance oscillates between monoglossic and heteroglossic expressions, allowing him
to establish strong beliefs while accepting alternative views to create a more engaging and
convincing speech.
Monoglossic
Chaplin uses a monoglossic stance when he makes categorical claims that do not invite
discussion or alternative readings. Statements such as "Dictators free themselves, but they
enslave the people!" supports his clear criticism of cruel governments. This bold approach
increases his authority so that his message is regarded as absolute truth rather than open to
reinterpretation. He mobilizes his audience with a sense of urgency and moral certainty by
removing question. Other monoglossic statements include "We think too much and feel too
little" and "The power they took from the people will return to the people." These support a
single perspective, making Chaplin's statement determined and powerful.
Heteroglossic
In comparison, Chaplin takes a heteroglossic stance when he admits external views or offers
ideas with a sense of openness and possibility. "The misery that is now upon us is but the
passing of greed," presents an alternative opinion by suggesting that pain is brief. This
historical and philosophical thinking situates the fight for justice within a wider timeline.
This makes his message more hopeful. His use of words such as "Perhaps the misery..." and
"The hate of men will pass..." invites reflection, allowing the audience to consider multiple
meanings rather than forcing a rigid philosophy.
Linguistic Components in Context
Language of Appreciation
Chaplin uses appreciation to highlight human potential: "You, the people, have the power to
make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure." This elevates the
audience's self-worth and encourages action.
Language of Affect
Expressions like "My voice is reaching millions throughout the world—millions of
despairing men, women, and little children." evoke empathy. "love of humanity in your
hearts" instills a sense of compassion and unity.
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Language of Judgment
Chaplin condemns oppressive leaders with words like "brutes," "machine men," and
"unnatural." This strong language positions the dictators as morally inferior.
Proclaim, Entertain, and Directives
Proclaim: Statements such as "Liberty will never perish!" are presented as absolute truths,
strengthening the argument's credibility.
Entertain: Phrases like "Perhaps the misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed."
entertain the possibility of change, making the argument more persuasive.
Directives: Imperatives like "Don't give yourselves to brutes!" and "Let us all unite!" serve as
direct calls to action, inspiring collective movement.
Connections to Leadership Communication
Rhetorical Staging
The speech follows a strategic narrative arc, first diagnosing the problem by "a world plagued
by greed, oppression, and hatred". Chaplin then offers hope and states that dictators will
eventually fall and liberty will prevail. Later, he issues a call to action and urges people to
unite against tyranny. This structured progression moves the audience from awareness to
empowerment, ensuring engagement and motivation.
Leadership Language
Chaplin's speech employs language of affect, judgment, and appreciation to influence and
mobilize followers. His use of emotive appeals (affect) evokes empathy ("millions of
despairing men, women, and little children"), while judgment ("Dictators free themselves, but
they enslave the people") condemns oppression. Appreciation ("You, the people, have the
power to make this life free and beautiful") instills confidence in the audience, reinforcing
their potential to enact change.
Critical Thinking and Persuasion
Chaplin masterfully balances emotional appeal and logical reasoning. His speech highlights
human suffering while presenting rational arguments about justice and freedom. This
combination of emotion and reason ensures that his message resonates deeply.
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Leadership Profile
Visionary
Chaplin's speech exemplifies visionary leadership, aiming to redefine societal norms and
inspire progress. He envisions a world where science and progress lead to happiness, valuing
long-term, sustainable progress. He emphasizes "humanity over machinery" and balances
technological growth with ethical responsibility, aligning with the transformational leadership
model.
Moral Authority
Chaplin's strong moral convictions, including his condemnation of dictatorships, demonstrate
his commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity. His speech serves as a moral
compass, guiding individuals towards freedom and empowerment. Chaplin's ethical
leadership emphasizes moral stance, focusing on righteousness over personal or political
gain.
Empathetic and Inspirational
Chaplin's leadership style is defined by compassion for the marginalized and inspiring hope.
His appeal to collective pronouns promotes unity, and the audience feels part of
a common cause. His call to action, "Let us all unite!", encourages people to have faith in
their ability to bring about change, demonstrating servant leadership principles.
Conclusion
Chaplin’s final speech in The Great Dictator is a lesson in rhetorical success. Through
anaphora, metaphor, tricolon, and other literary devices, he creates a powerful message
arguing for democracy, unity, and human respect. His stance mixes monoglossic certainty
with heteroglossic openness, making his case authoritative and engaging. Linguistically, his
use of admiration, affect, and judgment improves his emotional appeal. Drawing from
leadership communication frameworks, we see how Chaplin uses rhetorical staging,
proclamations, and orders to inspire action. His speech builds a leadership profile defined by
vision, morals, and empathy, making it a timeless example of effective communication.
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References
1. Chaplin, C. (n.d.). The final speech from The Great Dictator. Charlie Chaplin.
Retrieved from https://www.charliechaplin.com/en/articles/29-the-final-speech-fromthe-great-dictator2. Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). The Great Dictator. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Dictator
3. Carr, R. (2000). Charlie Chaplin: A political biography from Victorian Britain to
Modern America. Routledge.
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