Ursula K. Le Guin's 'Left-Handed Commencement'

On May 22, 1983, The Left-Handed Commencement was given by Ursula K. Le Guin an American novelist; gave this speech to the Mills College class of 1983, specifically meant for the female graduates. Like many speeches it was motivational; she also discussed gender equality. Le Guin uses numerous rhetorical devices to explain her views on women in society. The address’s primary purpose is show that women are not inferior to men: they are equal. This speech was written in the second wave of feminism a feminist movement in 1980s. The first feminist wave was in the 1960s creating the basis of feminism: gender equality and suffrage. Whereas the second wave expanded to topics such as work and household roles, sexuality and abortion rights. …show more content…
The changes in sentence length go from legato meaning “very flowy” to staccato: a choppy and separate feel. "We're not dumb": these three words make a short sentence that conveys a strong message. By using a short sentence Le Guin creates a statement that cannot be discussed because it is closed off; she gives the audience no alternative options. Which furthers her purpose that women are equal to mean and equally as smart. Le Guin also uses a number of rhetorical questions: "Well is that what you went to college for?", "Is that all?", "What about success?" She asked these questions but then continues her speech, leaving the audience to think but never be heard. The questions create the feeling of importance surrounding the topic embedding the topic in the audience. Le Guin uses rhetorical questions to mock why women even have a education if they will not rise above men. The rhetorical devices empower Le Guin's message for equality between men and women. This speech leaves a strong statement to women by using the following: inspirational tone, heavy word choice, and variations in sentence formatting. Le Guin's message that women are not inferior to men is clearly stated and enhanced by the use of rhetorical