23 pages • 46 minutes read
Henry ClayCompromise of 1850
Nonfiction | Essay / Speech | Adult | Published in 1850A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Symbols & Motifs
Patriotism
The motif of patriotism is present throughout the speech, incorporated into much of the metaphorical language used to link passage of the measure with preservation of the union. This motif plays a strong role in establishing the theme of Restoration of Peace and Harmony. Clay associates patriotism with dignity, solemnity, and impartiality. To be patriotic is to enter a heightened state, free of the filth and distraction of “passions,” “petty jealousies,” and “personal desires” (Paragraph 2). The speech, as a whole, argues that to pass the measure is to “elevate ourselves to the dignity of pure and disinterested patriots” (Paragraph 2). Patriotism, with its inherent detachment and virtue, in turn, is essential to Clay’s vision of a saved nation—that is, a nation in which compromise has managed to “hush all the jarring elements and bring peace and tranquility” (Paragraph 4).
Fragmentation
The motif of fragmentation contrasts with that of patriotism, generally augmenting the theme of The Pressure of Judgment. On a more immediate level, Clay is concerned with the immediate unity of the Senate, reflected in his persistent use of “we” and “us.” Compromise is not accomplished alone; rather, “[i]t is a work of mutual concession” (Paragraph 1). Therefore, Clay employs the motif in his figurative descriptions of the nation’s current state: the nation is at risk of “a victory of discord and agitation” (Paragraph 6), with “jarring elements” disrupting its “tranquility” (Paragraph 4). While unity is good, fragmentation is bad—uncomfortable, ugly, and loud.
On a grander level, Clay is concerned with the consequences of the literal union of the United States breaking apart. Clay uses the motif to compound the direness of the macro-level consequences of failing to pass the measure, which he primarily identifies as judgment from multiple sources. Without the Union, “we shall be torn into hostile fragments, and sooner or later become the victims of military despotism or foreign domination” (Paragraph 2). These villains will be enabled by the judgment passed against “this scheme of self-government” (Paragraph 5). To fail, that is, to fragment, will allow “all the monarchs of the Old World [to] pronounce our glorious republic a disgraceful failure” (Paragraph 5).
Christian Iconography
Clay draws on Christian iconography as a source of evocative symbols throughout the speech, often expanding on these symbols to build metaphors. In addition to explicit references to the Christian God, the “dove of peace” (2) is a straightforward Christian symbol, and the description of “solemn lustration” (Paragraph 2) calls to mind the Christian rituals of washing feet and baptism. The phrase “glad tidings” (Paragraph 2) echoes the language of the Bible in announcing the birth of Jesus.
Somewhat less explicit are the references to the concept of sacrifice, another core concept of Christianity. Clay’s calls for sacrifice, which he portrays as inherent to the dignified act of compromise, align those who would vote to pass the measure with the most noble Christian figures, that is, those who sacrificed for the good of mankind. Clay claims that the judgment of heaven “is not for me to speak” (Paragraph 6), but the implication is clear. To vote against the measure is selfish, marking an indulgence of pride and a refusal to come “to the altar of our country” (Paragraph 4).
