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Perils Of Indifference By Elie Wiesel And Martin Luther King Jr.

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Comparative Rhetorical Analysis Rough Draft In the American speeches unit, we have been exposed to a number of examples of powerful rhetoric. Two speeches that particularly stand out are Elie Wiesel's "Perils of Indifference" and Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, as both speeches focus on the historical events of the tragedy, and by analyzing these speeches, we can learn valuable lessons about the power of language and its ability to effect change in the world. . These two speeches clearly have different two different historical focuses, with Wiesel referencing the Holocaust and King speaking about the Civil Rights Movement. However, both Wiesel and King used tragedies and mistakes of the past as touchpoints …show more content…

For example, their structure and use of rhetorical modes in their argument differ in multiple ways. Wiesel's speech is primarily a persuasive essay, with a clear thesis and supporting arguments. He asks, "What are the perils of indifference? They are a moral danger. They are a political danger. They are a danger to our security." Here, Wiesel is actually using an anaphora and by repeating the word “danger” he can bring attention to the word or instill them into your mind. On the other hand, King's speech is primarily an example of the demonstrative mode (a type of speech or writing that aims to celebrate or criticize a particular subject, usually in the present time), using metaphor and imagery to inspire his audience. He states, "I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.” (King 2) Here, King is using anaphora and imagery to inspire his audience. By using vivid imagery, he helps us to easily visualize his message, which in turn leads us to sympathize with his idea more strongly. Another difference between the two speeches is their usage of tone. Wiesel's speech is more somber and serious, reflecting the weight of the subject matter he is addressing. He speaks in a measured and deliberate manner, conveying the gravity of the atrocities he is discussing. In contrast, King's speech is more celebratory and hopeful, reflecting the optimism and energy of the civil rights movement. This is shown through the quote “I say to you today, my friends, though, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream.” (King

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