‘Strangers in their own Country’:Epideictic Rhetoric and Communal Definition in Enoch Powell’s ‘Rivers of Blood’ Speech

Abstract

This article treats Enoch Powell’s ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech as an example of the epideictic rhetoric of blame and exclusion. Drawing on a framework proposed by Celeste Michelle Condit, the analysis explores the functions of the address for the speaker and for the audience. Of particular concern are Powell’s self-presentation as a statesman and prophet; his account of the impact and consequences of unrestricted immigration; and his portrayal of a community where ordinary, decent English people were being displaced and victimised by Commonwealth immigrants—a process in which he claimed the authorities were complicit. For the audience, the speech gave public expression to their concerns about immigration, though Powell’s predictions of a dystopian future also aroused sentiments of anger and foreboding. Despite the controversy that ensued, the impact of ‘Rivers of Blood’ was far-reaching, and its influence is still apparent in contemporary debates over immigration.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-923X.12548
Divisions: College of Business and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences & Humanities
Additional Information: This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Atkins, J. (2018), ‘Strangers in their own Country’: Epideictic Rhetoric and Communal Definition in Enoch Powell's ‘Rivers of Blood’ Speech. The Political Quarterly, 89: 362-369, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-923X.12548.  This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Community,Enoch Powell,Immigration,National identity,Race,Rhetoric,Sociology and Political Science
Publication ISSN: 1467-923X
Last Modified: 11 Mar 2024 08:24
Date Deposited: 12 Oct 2018 13:16
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
https://onlinel ... 1467-923X.12548 (Publisher URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2018-08-24
Published Online Date: 2018-07-16
Accepted Date: 2018-07-15
Authors: Atkins, Judi (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-7391-4685)

Download

[img]

Version: Accepted Version

| Preview

Export / Share Citation


Statistics

Additional statistics for this record