What is Harangue in Literature?
Have you ever wondered what we call a speech that is louder than a discussion and nastier than a lecture? You're right; that's Harangue. The word was developed around 1530, meaning an intense, nasty rant. In terms of semantics, it refers to a long speech that imposes some form of restriction on someone or something or has specific characteristics of an assault. However, there's more to it. Here's everything you need to know about the origin and use of Harangue in literature.
The Origin Of Use
A harangue is a rambling and vehement speech full of harsh criticism. A Medieval Latin phrase, harangue, is said to have inspired the word harangue (German origin). It has sprung from the French term arenge, a derivation of the word harangue. After a while, it became harangue in French and connected to the late medieval English language with the exact terminology.
Examples in Literature
In many Shakespeare's plays, especially those containing a great conflict as part of the storyline, significant characters deliver harangues to the audience. In the historical play Henry V, King Henry delivers many ferociously motivating harangues to his soldiers, including the famous St. Crispin's Day address, which includes the following words:
Henry V, King Henry
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhood cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
It is impossible to overlook King Henry's tirade as an example of a call to action. His remarks are intended to instill a sense of purpose in his soldiers before the heat of combat descends upon them. In his words, he convinces them that their names will live on in honor while simultaneously cruelly expressing his belief that those who do not fight will eternally consider themselves flawed men.
How to Use It
The most effective approach to utilizing a harangue is communicating a critical message or calling on an audience to take some action. The topic may be quite varied, but it has numerous distinctive traits that set it apart from other powerful speeches or lectures on the same subject. Here are some pointers on how to effectively utilize a harangue and differentiate it from other types of presentations:
- Never be afraid to use an emotional and hot tone brimming with emotion and energy.
- The substance should be relevant to the narrative and the characters in the storyline.
- When delivering a speech, the speaker should be furious and passionate.
- Someone whose words others esteem, obey, or respect should be the one who delivers them.
- Its objective should be to make an impact on the listeners.
Regardless of the subject, any furious and condemnatory speech is classified as a harangue. It is an excellent literary device to use for communicating a powerful message. To conclude, harangues play a significant role in literature because they are forceful, expressive, and profound-and will always impact individuals who witness the delivery of the message.