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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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In a well composed speech, William Faulkner addresses the graduating class of University High School. His purpose of speaking to them was to send a message encouraging them that changing the world relies on them. While doing so, Faulkner uses literary mechanisms such as compare and contrast, diction, and repetition to enhance his overall tone throughout the speech. His tone remains calm yet powerful, leaving the audience feeling invigorated.

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In this essay, speaker William Faulkner addresses the 1951 graduating high school class in Mississippi. He tells them that they need to work hard for what they want, change the world the way they want it to be, and fight hard in order to keep their individuality in our society. To help the audience to be persuaded by his purpose, he uses quotes from others, speaks to individuality (which emotionally compels students), and also makes allusions to historical figures. The author starts out with a quotes from someone else, “a wise frenchman”, to help build a foundation for the rest of his message.

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Writer, William Faulkner in his encouraging acceptance speech, “Banquet Speech,” suggests that writing should be passionate and moving and writers should be inspired to create an art that has an impact through the use of universal internal conflict. He supports his claim by using vivid description of what is impactful and dull in writing, “He writes not of the heart but of the glands;” he talks of the “universal physical fear” which is internal conflict that everyone deals with in their lives. Additionally, Faulkner directs his language to the future writers of the world, “The young man or woman writing today has forgotten the problems of the human heart” as to help guide them with what the standard for impeccable writing should be, which

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