REHUGO Analysis - History

Rachel Suizo

Mr. Soeth

English 3 AP

February 3, 2011

REHUGO Analysis: History – Speech

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

B. Wiesel delivers his speech to President Clinton, Mrs. Clinton, the Congress, Ambassador Holbrooke, and other attendees of the commencement of World War II’s fifty-fourth anniversary. Elie Wiesel was a Holocaust survivor and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. He witnessed the mistreatment and cruelty from the Nazis during the Holocaust.

C. In Wiesel’s speech, “The Perils of Indifference,” the tone is grateful. Wiesel states, “I am filled with a profound and abiding gratitude to the American people.” He is thankful for the gratifying actions Americans have taken therefore giving recognition to the Americans for providing help, not only to themselves, but also to others. However, the tone in the speech is direct. Wiesel states the failures of the world and the incapability to resolve the violence and indifference. The audience listening to Wiesel’s speech is effective by addressing it to people involved in politics. Through the acknowledgment of past events and the indifference in the world, the audience is on ways to help shape the future occurrences dealing with violence.

D. Rhetorical Strategies

a. Wiesel defines the word indifference as being “ ‘no different’, a strange and unnatural state in which the lines blur between light and darkness, dusk and dawn, crime and punishment, cruelty and compassion, good and evil” giving a further understanding of the word. When delivering the speech, Wiesel uses the word indifference various times to describe the unjust affairs that have occurred. Stating the definition of the word indifference allows Wiesel to give the audience and understanding of how these events are indifferent.

b. Rhetorical questions are used through Wiesel’s speech allowing the audience to reevaluate and think about the choices Americans have made to help fight against violence. Wiesel asked questions such as, “What will the legacy of this vanishing century be?,” and “How will it be remembered in the new millennium?” The questions asked has the audience provoked thought about their country and if events will be solved in the future. Wiesel also asks, “Is it necessary at times to practice it simply to keep one's sanity, live normally, enjoy a fine meal and a glass of wine, as the world around us experiences harrowing upheavals?” The question during the speech creates opinions about the choices Americans make.

E. MLA Citation:

Wiesel, Elie. “The Perils of Indifference.” Millennium Lecture Series. Washington D.C.

April 12, 1999