Wiesel's Indifference Essay

Furthermore, Wiesel exerts many contradicting comparisons by asserting “What is indifference? Etymologically, the word means no difference. A strange and unnatural state in which the lines blur between light and darkness, dusk and dawn, crime and punishment, cruelty and compassion, good and evil.”(2). Wiesel uses these contradicting terms to imply multiple ways for the audience to discover a solution for indifference. Correspondingly, Wiesel evokes an image by assembling parallel structure so that he can create sympathy from the audience by pronouncing “They no longer felt pain, hunger, thirst. They feared nothing. They felt nothing. They were dead and did not know it.” (3). By provoking this image the audience is able to create a better understanding of what indifference has caused and how it can destroy a nation. …show more content…
For us to be ignored by God was a harsher punishment than to be a victim of his anger. Man can live far from God—not outside God.”(3). He creates this analogy to compare indifference to the love of God, not only does he do this to show what it means to him, but it helps create a connection to the religious member of the audience. It helps the audience understand that indifference is a greater punishment than being beaten, tortured, and left to die. Moreover, Wiesel reverts back to the rhythmical parallel structure and repetition of the word “indifference” to help the audience understand Wiesel’s definition of indifference. “Indifference elicits no response? Indifference is not a response. Indifference is not a beginning; it is an end.’’ (3). He does this to enforce his definition upon the audience to help them understand the anger and hatred he has towards indifference. Wiesel uses these rhetorical strategies to lead to the climax of his speech where he ultimately bashes the American government and other