Summary Of Elie Wiesel's The Perils Of Indifference

512 Words3 Pages

Author, Elie Wiesel in his powerful speech, The Perils of Indifference claims history must not repeat. Wiesel develops his message by emphasizing how many were dehumanized. “They no longer felt pain, hunger or thirst. They feared nothing. They felt nothing. They were dead and did not know it.” Wiesel’s purpose is to inform individuals about the genocide in order to prevent from happening again. He creates an informative tone for the readers by using stylistic devices such as idioms, imagery, and sentimental memories in order to achieve his purpose that history must not repeat. Wiesel’s message about the inhumanity of indifference is still relevant today.
The Holocaust is only one of many genocides. As we look into the Armenian Genocide that took place in 1915, Wiesel conveys in his speech ¨The Perils of Indifference” becomes lucid. In just over 3 years, one and a half million Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks were perished. The world was unfazed. Many were deported and executed by the demands of the government. …show more content…

Wiesel explains, it is “easier” to avoid “victims” as it can be “troublesome” to be “involved” in one’s “pain” and “despair” (para. 8.) Wiesel asks us, “Is it necessary at times to practice it simply to keep one’s sanity, live normally, enjoy a fine meal and a glass of wine, as the world around us experiences harrowing upheavals?” Wiesel's warning, if taken by heart, can save many individuals who face unnecessary pain everyday. As his speech concludes it acquires a more buoyant tone in the future as individuals. As a nation we have the decision to resist and evolve as a nation for the better of