A Rhetorical Analysis Of Chief Seattle's 1854 Oration

“Chief Seattle’s 1854 Oration” was very powerful. He elaborated in great details the difference between his people (Indians) and the Whites and how they can come together. He was a respectful tribal leader and a devoted ecologist. Throughout his speech, Chief Seattle emphasizes how passionate he was in regard to his ancestor’s land. “Every part of this earth is sacred to my people.” His use of diction, persuasive appeals of pathos, logos, figurative imagery, analogies and anecdotes help in his persuading the white man in a peaceful but emotional speech. Chief Seattle’s diction reflects his sorrow and passion in regards to selling the land. The purpose of the speech was to persuade the “The Great Chief of Washington” on how important the land was to his people. With vivid description, history and memories he was able to contract the difference between the Indians love of the land and the white man ignorance of the land by saying, “The earth is not his brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on. He leaves his father’s grave behind, and he does not care.” These words illustrated the great respect and the different morals toward each family. He condemns the white man for moving away from their land which displays the disrespect they have for their dead. Chief Seattle shares how precious
For instance, “shinning pine needles,’ “humming insects,” and perfumed flowers” which represents the sisters; “the deer, the horse, the great eagle, these are brothers.” His word tones reflect the sadness Chief Seattle focused on what he was losing was precious to him –everything in his memory, his brothers. “So we will consider your offer to buy our land. If we decide to accept, I will make one condition—the white man must treat the beasts of this land as his brother.” He did this because he wanted to draw the audience on the beauty and heritage of the