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Faulkner's Speech Rhetorical Devices

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Would you rather sit back and let lying and greed take over? Or never be afraid and stand up for what is right? In Faulkner’s speech to young adults graduating in 1951, he sets the mood for change. Faulkner uses historical anecdotes, sophisticated but comprehensible words, long and complex sentence structure as well as use of second person with diction in order for the students to comprehend good versus evil in the world. From the beginning, Faulkner uses a historical anecdote from a wise Frenchman. And later on in his speech he talks about the “Napoleon's, and Hitler's, and Caesars… and all other tyrants who want power and aggrandizement.” By using these historical figures in his speech, it gives him a realization that it is no longer up …show more content…

In order to reverse the evils of this world, Faulkner uses sophisticated yet comprehensible words in order to gain respect from the young adults. Words such as “aggrandizement,” “baffled,” “ignorant,” are used. Using these words grabs the student’s attention and make them feel as though this is important, they are important. These young adults are necessary to change the world. Although sophisticated but comprehensible words are used throughout, long and complex sentences are used as well. “...between justice and injustice, courage and cowardice, sacrifice and greed, pity and self’-who will believe…” By emphasising on the points trying to be made, he gives off a sense of preaching. This leaves a lasting impression on young adults in order to defeat evil. Lastly, Faulkner knows in order to push for change, he must frighten the students. He uses an example of an atomic bomb and explains how if it were to drop down and kill everyone, they would not be scared of it, but scared of “...the being afraid of it.” He uses second person with negative diction in order to connect with the frightened students. For instance, “You are tired, frightened;” or “Our danger is the forces…” This gives the final push for the younger generation to realize they need to change the world for the

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