Speaker, Florence Kelley, in her speech discussing child labor, identifies the issues in today's society dealing with working conditions for underage children. Kelley’s purpose is to convince the National American Woman Suffrage Association to establish stricter child labor laws. She adopts a blunt, honest tone in order to portray her views on child labor laws. Kelley uses repetition, emotional appeal, and rhetorical question to inform the NAWSA of the unacceptable conditions that young children endure.
Kelley introduces her speech by continuously repeating phrases describing who the laws need to be in place for. She uses phrases such as “children” and “young girls.” For example, Kelley states that “We have, in this country, two million children under the age of sixteen years who are earning their bread. (Kelley, 1)” This shows the amount of underage children who are the main providers for their families. These children sacrificed their education opportunities in order to ensure their family was well taken care of. Kelley says that “They carry bundles of garments from the …show more content…
She questions the Legislature of Georgia by asking “ If the mothers and the teachers in Georgia could vote, would the Georgia Legislature have refused at every session for the last three years to stop the work in the mills of children under twelve years of age? (Kelley, 55-59)” If the mothers and teachers were able to vote child labor laws would be in place and stricter. Teachers have a stronger passion towards education rather than young children working in factories. She also questions her audience by asking,” What can we do to free our consciences?(Kelley, 85)” Kelley poses an idea about freeing the children of these harsh conditions, which makes people question themselves regarding what they believe is right or wrong. Child labor laws should be put in place not only because of regulation but also because of moral
Kelley introduces her speech by continuously repeating phrases describing who the laws need to be in place for. She uses phrases such as “children” and “young girls.” For example, Kelley states that “We have, in this country, two million children under the age of sixteen years who are earning their bread. (Kelley, 1)” This shows the amount of underage children who are the main providers for their families. These children sacrificed their education opportunities in order to ensure their family was well taken care of. Kelley says that “They carry bundles of garments from the …show more content…
She questions the Legislature of Georgia by asking “ If the mothers and the teachers in Georgia could vote, would the Georgia Legislature have refused at every session for the last three years to stop the work in the mills of children under twelve years of age? (Kelley, 55-59)” If the mothers and teachers were able to vote child labor laws would be in place and stricter. Teachers have a stronger passion towards education rather than young children working in factories. She also questions her audience by asking,” What can we do to free our consciences?(Kelley, 85)” Kelley poses an idea about freeing the children of these harsh conditions, which makes people question themselves regarding what they believe is right or wrong. Child labor laws should be put in place not only because of regulation but also because of moral