Speak Out “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with the shades of deeper meaning” (Angelou 98). While written word can communicate a message, spoken word can convey additional subtleties, such as tone, inflection, and body language. The fiery passion and energy conveyed through speech can move an audience and can evoke emotion. Unlike written word, spoken word can also more easily persuade others because it has a more immediate effect as opposed to writing. One’s voice can be an agent of change when combined with two other essential components: impactful words of gold and an incorruptible heart of gold. In order to truly harness the power of voice, one must actively use it as a means of protest.
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John Kumalo, Stephen Kumalo’s brother, is given the gift of oratory. When Msimangu sees John Kumalo giving a speech, Msimangu says, “Perhaps we should thank God he is corrupt. For if he were not corrupt, he could plunge this country into bloodshed. He is corrupted by his possessions and he fears their loss, and the loss of the power he already has” (Paton 221). Although John Kumalo is gifted with a bull voice, he does not employ it to its full potential. While he could sacrifice his life for martyrdom, he is blinded by materialistic motives. John Kumalo plays chords of music to excite the people, but he never combines these chords of emotion to create a song that causes the natives to “rage against the dying of the light” (Thomas 3). Although God has granted him the gift of speech, John Kumalo chooses to neglect the cause of revolting against the imperialistic influence of the …show more content…
It is the duty of all people to use their voices to affect others on a subconscious level to help them overcome the social constructs that govern their beliefs. In The Parable of the Talents, a lord gives a certain number of talents, which are ancient units of currency, to each of his three servants (King James Version, Matthew 25.15). Based on the abilities of each servant, the lord gives five talents to the first servant, two talents to the second servant, and one talent to the third servant (Matthew 25.15). After the lord returns from his journey, he rewards the servant with five talents and the servant with two talents because they use the money effectively to double the amount they are given (Matthew 25.20-24). However, the servant with one talent hides the money, and the lord punishes him for his miserly behavior by taking his talent away and giving it to the servant who now has ten talents (Matthew 25.26-28). The religious parable suggests that God endows each individual with certain traits. Although the potency of these traits varies among individuals, God is content as long as people employ his gifts instead of wasting them. Therefore, instead of one’s use of money, the moral of the parable can also refer to one’s use of voice. Despite the differing powers of people’s voices, it is their duty to God to use their voices to help
John Kumalo, Stephen Kumalo’s brother, is given the gift of oratory. When Msimangu sees John Kumalo giving a speech, Msimangu says, “Perhaps we should thank God he is corrupt. For if he were not corrupt, he could plunge this country into bloodshed. He is corrupted by his possessions and he fears their loss, and the loss of the power he already has” (Paton 221). Although John Kumalo is gifted with a bull voice, he does not employ it to its full potential. While he could sacrifice his life for martyrdom, he is blinded by materialistic motives. John Kumalo plays chords of music to excite the people, but he never combines these chords of emotion to create a song that causes the natives to “rage against the dying of the light” (Thomas 3). Although God has granted him the gift of speech, John Kumalo chooses to neglect the cause of revolting against the imperialistic influence of the …show more content…
It is the duty of all people to use their voices to affect others on a subconscious level to help them overcome the social constructs that govern their beliefs. In The Parable of the Talents, a lord gives a certain number of talents, which are ancient units of currency, to each of his three servants (King James Version, Matthew 25.15). Based on the abilities of each servant, the lord gives five talents to the first servant, two talents to the second servant, and one talent to the third servant (Matthew 25.15). After the lord returns from his journey, he rewards the servant with five talents and the servant with two talents because they use the money effectively to double the amount they are given (Matthew 25.20-24). However, the servant with one talent hides the money, and the lord punishes him for his miserly behavior by taking his talent away and giving it to the servant who now has ten talents (Matthew 25.26-28). The religious parable suggests that God endows each individual with certain traits. Although the potency of these traits varies among individuals, God is content as long as people employ his gifts instead of wasting them. Therefore, instead of one’s use of money, the moral of the parable can also refer to one’s use of voice. Despite the differing powers of people’s voices, it is their duty to God to use their voices to help