Rehugo 2

Kathleen Alonzo

Mr. Soeth

English 3AP

February 18, 2011

REHUGO Analysis – Historical Documents, Events, Speeches or People

A. In this speech Elie Wiesel speaks of indifference and the role it plays in the enormity during the 20^th century and its relevance to this day. He criticizes the indifference of American leaders with the knowledge they had of the Holocaust during the war. In conclusion to his speech he feels of hope that this millennium will no longer allow indifference as a response to crimes against mankind.

B. Elie Wiesel, born September 30, 1928, is a Holocaust survivor. At the age of 15 he was held prisoner in Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps along with his whole family. His mother and younger sister both ceased in Auschwitz while he and his father were transported to Buchenwald. After a few years, Elie was left alone with the death of his father. Then in the year of 1945 America was liberated and Elie survived. As time passed since the liberation he was able to accomplish many things throughout his life such as being the Chairman of the President's Commission on the Holocaust and the United States Holocaust Meorial Council. He also founded the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity. His speech, “The Perils of Indifference”, was delivered at the Millenium Lecture Series hosted by President Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.

C. Wiesel’s goal of his speech was to inspire the American people to act in times of human suffering, injustice, and violence, in order to prevent future events like the Holocaust. Although nothing measures up to the atrocities of the Holocaust, indifference has still made its impact on today’s society. The government of today has met with many challenges in regards to helping other nations. As people of today’s society we still are ignorant to those out in the world that really do need our help. For example, the starving families in Africa. We give less then we can actually offer and we refuse to reach out to those who ask for things simple to us as an education, food and shelter. Indifference has shown itself around the world and each day people don’t see that we can cease the indifference happening in our world by giving a little more out of our pockets or caring more for another individual then ourselves for a change. With that no one will have to feel alone.

D. All through Wiesel’s speech he repeatedly mentions the word “indifference”. Using repetitions of words firmly sticks the main point trying to be recognized by the audience. Wiesel brings out negative connotation towards the word indifference stating one of its definitions as “their lives are meaningless.” Wiesel effectively uses repetition well. After repeatedly seeing repetition, it is centered in our mind and used to refocus us after an interruption of a flashback or anecdote. It reminds us of the main point. Other rhetorical devices he uses are anecdotes. In the beginning of his speech he gives a story of a Jewish boy who finally reaches liberation. With the story it brings out his tone, a sound of appeasement. However the anecdote goes in a circular motion as he concludes his speech by referring back to the story about the young Jewish boy. In relation to the boy, is Wiesel’s sharing of hope and fear. The story gives Wiesel an immense feeling of comfort and courage.

E. MLA Citation:

Wiesel, Elie. “The Perils of Indifference.” Millennium Lecture Series. Washington D.C. April 12, 1999