Have you ever listened to someone speak at length, often in a critical or scolding manner? That, in essence, is a harangue. It’s more than just a speech; it’s a forceful or prolonged discourse, often to the point of tedium. Understanding the nuance of this literary and rhetorical device can greatly enrich your appreciation of literature, speeches, and even everyday communication. This guide will explore the definition of a harangue, its characteristics, how it functions in writing, and provide numerous examples to illustrate its use.
What is a Harangue? A Definition
At its core, a harangue is a lengthy, impassioned speech delivered with the intent to criticize, scold, or sway an audience. It’s not simply about the content of the speech, but how it is delivered, often with considerable vehemence and a lack of consideration for the audience’s feelings. Think of it as a verbal attack disguised as a speech. The term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a one sided, aggressive, and often tiresome presentation of arguments.
Simple Examples of Harangue
- “You youngsters today have no respect! Back in my day…” – A classic, stereotypical harangue aimed at a younger generation.
- “I’ve told you a million times not to leave your shoes by the door! Is it really that difficult?” – A frustrated parent delivering a harangue to their child.
- “The state of this office is appalling! Papers everywhere, desks messy…it’s a disgrace!” – A manager scolding employees.
Characteristics of a Harangue
Several key features define a true harangue. Recognizing these elements will help you identify it in literature and real life.
Length and Repetition
Harangues are rarely brief. They tend to be protracted, with the speaker revisiting the same points repeatedly, sometimes using different phrasing but essentially hammering home the same message. The repetition isn’t for clarity, but for emphasis, and often, for weariness on the part of the audience.
Example: A politician, frustrated by ongoing criticism, launches into a twenty-minute speech restating their accomplishments and dismissing their detractors, repeating the phrase “We have achieved remarkable progress” at least five times.
Emotional Intensity
A harangue is typically delivered with strong emotion—anger, outrage, frustration, or a self righteous indignation. This emotional fervor is meant to overwhelm the audience and prevent rational consideration of opposing viewpoints. The speaker isn’t seeking dialogue; they are declaring their position.
Example: A character in a play, discovering a betrayal, erupts in a furious harangue against the perpetrator, filled with accusations and threats, their voice rising with each sentence.
One-Sidedness and Lack of Dialogue
Harangues are rarely conversations. They are monologues—long speeches where the speaker dominates and discourages (or ignores) responses. While an audience might be present, the speaker isn’t genuinely interested in their opinions or counterarguments. It’s about broadcasting a message, not fostering discussion.
Example: A tyrannical leader addresses their subjects, denouncing perceived enemies and outlining their absolute authority, without allowing any questions or dissenting voices.
Critical or Accusatory Tone
Most harangues involve criticism, blame, or accusations. The speaker is typically unhappy with something—the actions of others, the state of affairs, or perceived injustices—and uses the speech as an opportunity to express their dissatisfaction and assign responsibility.
Example: A disgruntled employee delivers a harangue to their manager, listing all the perceived shortcomings of the company and blaming leadership for their failures.
Harangue in Literature
Authors frequently employ harangues to reveal character, advance plot, and create dramatic effect. Let’s look at some literary examples.
Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar
Mark Antony’s speech at Caesar’s funeral is a masterful example of persuasive rhetoric, though it shares some characteristics with a harangue. While appearing to praise Caesar, Antony carefully manipulates the crowd, subtly planting seeds of doubt about the conspirators and gradually inciting them to anger. He repeats phrases like “Brutus is an honorable man,” but uses the context to undermine Brutus’s reputation. It’s a persuasive speech designed to turn public opinion against Caesar’s assassins.
Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities
Madame Defarge is a character who frequently delivers harangues, fueled by years of resentment towards the aristocracy. Her speeches are filled with accusations, threats, and calls for revenge. These harangues serve to demonstrate her unwavering commitment to the revolutionary cause and to foreshadow the violence that will erupt during the French Revolution.
George Orwell’s Animal Farm
Squealer, the pig propagandist, is a master of the harangue. He uses lengthy, persuasive speeches to justify the pigs’ increasingly authoritarian rule, rewriting history and manipulating the other animals into accepting their exploitation. He repeats slogans and distorts facts, creating a narrative that serves the pigs’ interests. His harangues demonstrate the power of propaganda and the dangers of unchecked authority.
More Examples to Illustrate the Concept
Consider these additional scenarios:
- A coach, after a disastrous game, delivers a scathing harangue to the team, berating them for their lack of effort and discipline.
- A town crier, in a historical setting, delivers a harangue announcing new laws and warnings, often with a stern and authoritative tone.
- A professor, frustrated by student apathy, launches into a lengthy and critical harangue about the importance of education.
Distinguishing Harangue from Other Rhetorical Devices
While related to other devices like lectures, diatribes, and tirades, harangue has distinct characteristics.
| Device | Description | Key Difference from Harangue |
| Lecture | An educational talk | Lectures aim to inform; harangues aim to scold or persuade through emotional intensity. |
| Diatribe | A bitter and abusive attack | Diatribes are often more purely angry; harangues are more prolonged and argumentative. |
| Tirade | A long, angry speech | Tirades are typically more unrestrained and less logically structured than harangues. |
Harangue suggests a deliberate attempt to overwhelm an audience with a one sided argument, often combining elements of lecturing, scolding, and emotional appeal.
Conclusion
Understanding the literary device of harangue provides valuable insight into how language can be used to persuade, manipulate, and dominate. By recognizing its characteristics—length, emotional intensity, one sidedness, and critical tone—you can better analyze literature, speeches, and everyday communication. Whether delivered by a Shakespearean orator, a Dickensian revolutionary, or a disgruntled coach, the harangue remains a powerful rhetorical tool and a fascinating subject of study.