Wiesel writes: “Here heaven and earth are on fire.” What effect might this figurative language have on his audience?
The sentence Yitgadal veyitkadash, Shmay Rabba is stated four times in the speech. Is Wiesel’s repetition of this prayer effective as a rhetorical device? Why or why not?
Review Wiesel’s ethical appeal in paragraphs 16–18. What values is he asking his audience to consider? What impact does his use of Absolute Language have on this appeal?
Refer to the chart you filled in with examples of Wiesel’s use of rhetorical appeals. Provide at least one example of each type of appeal, and analyze the persuasive effect of each example.
Let’s break down each question one by one, starting with the first one regarding the figurative language in the phrase, “Here heaven and earth are on fire.”
1. Effect of Figurative Language: This vivid imagery emphasizes the intense emotions and crisis occurring at the moment. It evokes a sense of urgency and chaos, impacting the audience by making the suffering and horror of the situation relatable and palpable. Such language can evoke strong emotions, compelling the audience to reflect on the gravity of the circumstances.
Now, if you’d like to discuss the next question about the repetition of the prayer “Yitgadal veyitkadash, Shmay Rabba,” please let me know!