How does Roosevelt's use of the "big stick" metaphor in the paragraph on pages 5-6
impact his speech?
It adds a threatening tone to Roosevelt's speech by
implying a penalty for boasting.
Right here let me make as vigorous a plea as
I know how in favor of saying nothing that we
do not mean, and of acting without hesitation
up to whatever we say. A good many of you
are probably acquainted with the old
proverb: "Speak softly and carry a big
stick-you will go far." If a man continually
blusters, if he lacks civility, a big stick will not
save him from trouble; and neither will
speaking softly avail, if back of the softness
there does not lie strength, power. In private
life there are few beings more obnoxious than
the man who is always loudly boasting; and if
the boaster is not prepared to back up his
words his position becomes absolutely
contemptible. So it is with the nation. It is both
foolish and undignified to indulge in undue
It encourages cooperation by promising power to
people who agree with Roosevelt.
It emphasizes Roosevelt's intent to fight the
injustices he sees in foreign nations.
It provides a visual of military might that helps
Roosevelt to argue his main point
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