Cesar Chavez Speech Rhetorical Analysis

Cesar Chavez published an article in a religious magazine on the tenth anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s death. Chavez’s message is delivered with a humble yet serious tone, as he shows compassion in his writing to emphasize his purpose, which is to bring attention to the importance of non-violent acts over violent acts, and to overall strive to gain the support of his audience, which generally those devoted to helping those in need. The persona of the author helps the audience create a stronger connection with and be further persuaded by Chavez because the audience can infer that he has experienced and is a strong supporter himself of nonviolence by the use of his examples and his points of view. By using rhetorical strategies such

By comparing the two through very direct sentences, he indicates that nonviolence is more powerful than violence while violence leads to “many injuries and perhaps deaths on both sides or there will be total demoralization” (lines 19-21), nonviolence is “supportive and crucial.” Using contrasting diction and connecting violence to images of death and demoralization as well as explaining how it will affect both sides, demonstrates how violence is harmful to everyone. Then by highlighting the power as well as the morality of nonviolence, by using bold statements such as “support” “justice” and “powerful” appeals the the audience and further influences them to advocate and support nonviolence as well as view it as superior to violence due to the powerful diction Chavez used to bring attention to the values of

Nonviolence provides the opportunity to stay off of the offensive, and this is of crucial importance to win any contest.” (lines 12-16). Also, repetition is found throughout the passage when he mentions the detrimental effects a violent resistance can produce. The repetition of the word nonviolence followed by things that result from it allows him to emphasize the importance of nonviolence and implant the ideals of nonviolence in the audience's mind to cause them to further consider the topic of non violence. This argument can sway the reader to agree with him and further asserts his opinion that nonviolence is the correct way to go about an issue. By utilizing this strategy, Chavez stresses non violence to his audience and achieves his purpose of bringing attention the the success and essentiality of non-violence gaining the support of his audience. Chavez uses multiple rhetorical strategies to bring forth the ideal that nonviolence and achieves his purpose by show his involvement and compassion in nonviolence. He delivers strong arguments to gain the support of his followers and achieves his purpose of bringing attention to and gaining the support of nonviolence.Today Cesar Chavez leaves a legacy as one of the prime examples of a nonviolent protester and is known for founding president