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Booker T Washington Rhetorical Devices

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The speech by Booker T. Washington clearly brings out the point that African Americans have a role and great potential in advancing the South despite the conflict running between the two races. He called for cooperation for mutual benefit by asking the African Americans to comprehend the importance and acquiring industrial and agricultural skills rather than seeking political positions. Washington appeals to the white audience in the North for investment as well as support for the black community, stating that together, they will find business success and social harmony. The passage contains a number of textual features that strengthen its meaning and purpose. Washington uses a great deal of descriptive details to portray the Exposition as an important event in …show more content…

The repetition of "cast down your bucket" is important in underlining themes of self-reliance and making the most of the present opportunities. It resonates with his message, puts more emphasis on the immediacy and localization of action for African Americans, and uses a ship metaphor in search of water—its application, that is, how it stands for the idea that very often, solutions to one's predicament are very near, and there is no need to look elsewhere. This imagery really helps to make very practical the advice Washington offers. Describing the Exposition in terms of recognition of African American contribution is also vital, for it represents interracial cooperation, symbolizing progress and unity. Last but not least, the comparison between fingers and hand becomes important, as it underlines race cooperation in matters of essential economic and social activity while retaining different identities on social matters. This metaphor very powerfully conveys Washington's vision of unity in essential endeavors and respect for social

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