Lindsey Schrock REHUGO

Lindsey Schrock

Mr. Soeth

English 3 AP

February 2, 2011

REHUGO Analysis: Historical—Speech

A. Elie Wiesel gives his speech, “The Perils of Indifference,” on April 12, 1999 in Washington D.C.

B. This speech was given during a Millennium Lecture Series hosted by the Clinton family as a farewell to the 20^th century, as well as an introduction for the years to come. Wiesel, a former Holocaust victim, shares details of his experiences and struggles, while also illustrating the danger associated with indifference and negligence to acknowledge issues and events in society. This speech is incredibly effective due to Wiesel’s impeccable use of ethos; his personal experiences as a witness to the Holocaust make him a reputable source. The speech was directed towards the President, First Lady, members of Congress, Ambassador Holbrooke, and American citizens.

C. Indifference towards political, national, and worldwide events is a continuous issue, one that is constantly appearing in our society. As people face troubles, they tend to ignore their issues and focus their attention elsewhere. For example, America has shown very little involvement with the Darfur genocide. This situation is rather similar the one concerning the Holocaust described by Wiesel. His references to acts of indifference displayed by America in the past is incredibly effective due to the fact that while we reflect upon our actions during the Holocaust with a sense of disbelief, similar events are conspiring today. He then triggers a response  from the audience by questioning whether or not America has learned from the past. "Has the human being become less indifferent and more human? Have we really learned from our experiences?" (paragraph 21). The speech forces us to face examples of indifference displayed in this century, thus motivating us to take action.

D. Rhetorical Strategies:

            a. Definition: The word “indifference” serves as the foundation for Wiesel’s entire speech. In order for the audience to thoroughly understand the overall meaning of the speech, they must first understand what Wiesel means when he says “indifference.”  In paragraph five, he says, “What is indifference? Etymologically, the word means ‘no difference.’” By delineating the term, Wiesel ensures that his audience will fully understand and will be able to grasp the content of his speech. Such rhetorical strategies also make it easier for the audience to establish a connection between the vocabulary associated with the speech and the actual message of the work.

            b. Rhetorical Questions: An evident aspect of Wiesel’s speech is his repetitive use of rhetorical questions. Research has shown that being asked questions increases one’s level of attention and understanding towards the content of the work. Rhetorical questions emphasize whatever is being written or spoken, thus constantly grabbing the audience’s attention. Paragraph 21 is entirely made up of rhetorical questions, which persuades the audience to contemplate what he is saying. “Does it mean that we have learned from the past? Does it mean that society has changed? Has the human being become less indifferent and more human? Have we really learned from our experiences?” Frequently asked questions found within the speech such as these engage the readers and persuade and motivate them to think critically about the issue or topic being discussed. This device reflects upon Wiesel’s overall purpose, which is to get his audience thinking about ways America has displayed indifference in the past, whether or not America has learned from its experiences, and how we can prevent similar events from reappearing in the future.

Wiesel, Elie. "The Perils of Indifference." Millennium Lecture Series. White House, Washington, D.C. 12 Apr. 1999. Speech.