Ted Talk Analysis

(Hook) Throughout our life, we have seen many citizens in the world survive a difficult time through the news, television, etc. What we do not understand is how these people survive and what makes them a survivor. (Background)Some survivors have to sacrifice a vital part of them, like in the story “Trapped”, by Aron Ralston, while others may have to risk going back to North Korea, such as in Hyeonseo Lee’s TED Talk, “My Escape from North Korea.” (Thesis) Three traits that can make a survivor are perseverance, tenacity, and determination.
When it comes to Hyeonseo Lee’s Ted Talk, one trait making Lee a survivor is her perseverance. In one such case, Lee escapes North Korea, but risks being imprisoned and repatriated (Lee, pg.2). This example is showing Lee’s bravery, and strength despite a very difficult situation. If Lee is not strong, and she is too scared, the Chinese officials would see that Lee is North Korean, and send her back where she could be jailed and tortured. Another example is when Lee plans out how to get her family out of

jail (Lee, pg.2). Then, a stranger helps Lee out and pays the fine to get her family out of prison. In this instance, if Lee left her family, that stranger never would have known Lee is trying to get her family out. She is not willing to lose something she loves. Lee proves she is a survivor through perseverance by her toughness and staying strong in tense situations.
Aaron Ralston proves he is a survivor in the article “Trapped” by his tenacity. To illustrate, Ralston created a seat to sit in to maintain blood flow (Ralston, pg.3). In this case, instead of panicking, Ralston persisted about doing everything feasible at the time to remain in the best condition, until he was able to free himself. In another case, Ralston stated he “Theoretically tripled the force applied at the haul point” (Ralston, pg.5). Although in theory this should have worked, Aaron Ralston’s attempt failed. Despite Ralston facing failure, he still persisted, and made multiple attempts to free himself. Ralston had to have tenacity by wisely conserving his energy, and ventured to escape himself in multiple ways.
Michael from “Lost”( by JJ Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Jeffrey Lieber) had to have determination in order to build a raft in pursuance of escaping and also finding his son.

On day twelve Michael stated “Alright, I am not going to grow old here. Who wants to help?” (Abrams, Lost).Many had already given up on rescue or thought there wouldn’t be enough materials on the island. For this reason, Jin was the only volunteer. Everyday Jin and Michael worked on the raft, regardless of what the other survivors thought. Michael was determined to move his son off the island. When Michael was sailing with Sawyer, Jin, and his son, a mysterious boat took Michael’s son and blew the raft into smithereens (Abrams, Lost). Not only did Michael have to stay determined in order to find his son, but also to build a whole new raft after all the intention already put in. In any case Michael had to have determination to construct a raft and seek his

son.
(Restate)Ultimately the three main traits that would help a person survive is perseverance, tenacity, and determination. (Recap)Lee showed how to have perseverance by escaping North Korea, and staying strong in difficult situations. Ralston proved that he was able to survive through sacrificing his arm. Michael from “Lost” showed the world that he was determined to get him and his son off the island by building a raft. (Clincher)Although it is unlikely you will find yourself trying to escape North Korea, a boulder, or a deserted island, you have to appreciate what these characters did in order to survive in case you do find yourself in a critical situation.