Summary Of Reflection Of Exile By Edward Said

Throughout Edward Said's essay, he conveys a greater reality to his condition of living in exile where he navigates his lack identity and how it reflects his conception of “home”. Said effectively uses a rhetorical appeal of pathos and uses methods of syntax, tone, and diction to further illuminate his point to his audience. Through this Said clearly conveys how his experience in exile has lead to his philosophical journey through understanding what his identity is.

Edward Said was a professor at Columbia and was a notable author. Being Palestinian and growing up in both the United States and Egypt, his work navigates around the central theme of exile and lacking a national identity. He’s lead many discussion around the topic of the nationhood of Palestine and the idea of independence. This

His most powerful technique was done through his first person story telling. On page 138 he speaks to the connection of poetry and exile. He starts off his claim by saying “To see a poet in exile-as opposed to reading the poetry of exile-is to see exile’s antinomies embodied and endured with a unique sensitivity.” This further sets his tone for using a pathos appeal and introduces the first had experience of what exile feels like. He then goes on to describe a time he had in Beirut and through his friend’s revelation of urdu poetry. Through his first person storytelling he comes upon a revelation and portrays to the audience the vulnerability and sensitivity Said has endured because of his lack of identity. He says “What I watched required no translation: it was an enactment of a homecoming expressed through defiance and loss.” This directly appeals to the readers emotion in recognizing the experience exile has left on Said. He connects with the audience in conveying exile in not only a personal experience but a common human experience of not