Question 6 of 25
Read this excerpt from the conclusion of Elie Wiesel's "The Perils of
Indifference" speech:
Does it mean that we have learned from the past? Does it
mean that society has changed? Has the human being
become less indifferent and more human? Have we really
learned from our experiences? Are we less insensitive to
the plight of victims of ethnic cleansing and other forms of
injustices in places near and far? Is today's justified
intervention in Kosovo, led by you, Mr. President, a lasting
warning that never again will the deportation, the
terrorization of children and their parents, be allowed
anywhere in the world? Will it discourage other dictators in
other lands to do the same?
How does Wiesel use a rhetorical device in this passage?
A. Wiesel uses an emotional appeal to encourage the audience to
feel sympathy for what he went through.
B. Wiesel uses repetition to encourage the audience to focus on the
important points he has made.
OC. Wiesel uses rhetorical questions to encourage the audience to
continue to think about his ideas.
D. Wiesel uses figurative language to encourage the audience to
better understand his suffering.



Answer :

In the passage from Elie Wiesel's speech, he uses a rhetorical device known as rhetorical questions. Rhetorical questions are questions that are asked not to receive an answer but to make a point or stimulate critical thinking in the audience.

Here's how Wiesel uses rhetorical questions in the passage:
1. Wiesel asks questions like "Does it mean that we have learned from the past?" and "Have we really learned from our experiences?" to prompt the audience to reflect on whether lessons have been absorbed from history and whether society has evolved to be less indifferent.

2. By posing questions such as "Is today's justified intervention in Kosovo... a lasting warning?" and "Will it discourage other dictators... to do the same?" Wiesel encourages the audience to contemplate the impact of current actions on future behaviors and global events.

3. These rhetorical questions engage the audience by keeping them actively thinking about the themes of indifference, humanity, and the prevention of atrocities, rather than simply presenting information in a straightforward manner.

In conclusion, Wiesel's use of rhetorical questions in this passage serves to provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and emphasize the gravity of the issues he is addressing.