Rhetorical Analysis Of Non-Violence

Peter Lee
Ms. Caravaggio
ENG 4U1
9 October 2015
Rhetorical Analysis of “Non-Violence”
Mahatma Gandhi initially was not a type of a leader who supported non-violence and peace. In fact, he has fought for the British army for several years. As a result, he realizes that British army is too powerful for Indians to contest independence with violence, which enlightens him that non-violence is the only way for Indians to be free from Britain. In the “Non-Violence” speech that Gandhi makes in 1919, he proclaims his ideas on what Indians should do in order to lead India into its independence. Throughout his speech, he uses imageries to support his belief that non-violence is a powerful tool and a great warrior.

Gandhi uses several anecdote throughout

the speech, which enriches his credibility since he uses his own experience. In “Non-Violence” speech by Mahatma Gandhi, he uses contrast, symbols, and personal experience in order to develop his ideas and persuade his audience that his belief in non-violence is a practical way to find a resolution towards political differences.
One of the most prominent imageries Gandhi employs in his speech is different types of contrast in order to prove that fight does not necessarily involve violence.

To illustrate how powerful non-violence is, he uses juxtaposition and places two contrasting words side by side. When he states, “But I believe that non-violence is infinitely superior to violence, forgiveness is more manly than punishment, forgiveness adorns a soldier.”, the contrasting ideas in this statement, resonate his powerful message that non-violence is not to be misunderstood as inferior and less manly. Gandhi provides a contrasting analogy on how strong non-violence is to clearly state his message, and compares India to a mouse that is hurt by the cat, Britain. He says “A mouse hardly forgives a cat when it allows itself to be torn to pieces by her.” The two animals, a mouse and a cat are juxtaposed to vividly portray that India does not forget the violent things Britain did and it will do anything in its power to defend itself. To remind his audience that non-violence is for India’s own benefit, Gandhi states a clear definition of non-violence using contrasting sentences. He says “It does not mean meek submission to the will of the evil-doer, but it means the pitting of one’s whole soul against the will of the tyrant.” By stating that he practices non-violence not because he is scared of Britain, but because it is the most effective and powerful way to fight against Britain, Gandhi makes his idea even

more persuasive and plausible.

Body 2:
Gandhi uses a lot of symbols to emphasize the importance of his beliefs, but also to give the audience a visual picture of what he is trying to convey.(detail- what he is fighting for)
Personification - “India resort to arms in order to defend her honour than that she should, in a cowardly manner, become or remain a helpless witness to her own dishonour.”
(He feels more connected)(Great patriotism that India is alive, breathing kind of image)

Allusion - “With enlightened forgiveness must come a mighty wave of strength in us which would make it impossible for a Dyer and a Frank Johnson to heap affront on India's devoted head.“

(Gandhi uses a lot of short sentences in general, in his)parallelism - “ Strength does not come from physical capacity.

It comes from an indomitable will (Makes his message even more powerful, he uses short declarative sentences, and passive, not

commanding
)(This is supported by George Orwel in his essay “Politics and English Language”, where he says : “Never use a long word when a short one will do”)

One of the most effective ways how Gandhi develops his ethos and pathos is providing his own personal experiences.
Irony “Hence it was that I took part in the Boer War, the so-called Zulu Rebellion and the late war. Hence also do I advocate training in arms for those who believe in the method of violence”

Irony - “Hence it was that I took part in the Boer War, the so-called Zulu Rebellion and the late war. Hence also do I advocate training in arms for those who believe in the method of violence” Ethos
(Surprises/ interests the readers)(Makes us realize he is also a human being)

Anecdote - “when my eldest son asked me what he should have done had he been present when I was almost fatally assaulted in 1908, whether he should have used his physical force which he could and wanted to use, and defended me, I told him that it was his duty to defend me even by using violence.”
(Relate to the audience to something that is familiar with us)(We feel the familiarity, makes us understand his situation)(He develops his credibility, because he uses personal example) ethos

Allusion - “I therefore appreciate the sentiment of those who cry out for the punishment of General Dyer and his ilk” (Directly referencing to a gruesome that occurred in the history of mankind) (Pathos)