Text B

Grade 7

In this eulogy for Mahatma Gandhi, the speaker, Jawaharlal Nehru, addresses the passing of Gandhi to the public within India and more internationally to those who were close associates with or supporters of Gandhi. As he reflects deeply on the significance of Gandhi to India in his speech, he also uses his authority as the Prime Minister of independent India to inspire the audience to “tread the holy ground where his feet had been.” Therefore, in this emotionally sorrowful yet uplifting speech, Nehru adeptly employs rhetorical devices, emotional appeal, and vivid imagery to not only commemorate Gandhi but also encourage the audience to follow his footsteps.

Initially Nehru beautifully employs rhetorical devices to acknowledge the unexpected death of Gandhi and establish a mood of grief to commemorate him. By posing rhetorical questions such as "What, then, can we say about him except to feel humble on this occasion?" this rhetorical strategy not only brings the audience to feel a collective emotion of humility but also underscores the profound impact and stature of the revered figure, setting the stage for a discourse that delves into the grandeur of his legacy. The speech continues to appeal to the audience’s emotions, evoking a spectrum of sentiments ranging from respect and gratitude to profound sorrow. Through phrases like "a feeling of having been left desolate and forlorn," the speaker sensitively acknowledges the overwhelming sense of loss experienced by many. Nehru uses emotionally impactful words connoting sadness to validate the audience's emotions. Simultaneously, despite his title as a Prime Minister, he is able to deepen the connection between him and his listeners, fostering an atmosphere of shared empathy and understanding. By tapping into these universal feelings, the speaker effectively amplifies the resonance of the message, compelling the audience to reflect more deeply on the enduring legacy and impact of Gandhi being commemorated.

Furthermore, the speech is enriched by vivid imagery that not only captures the imagination but also fosters a deeper connection between the audience and the subject matter. Through evocative metaphorical descriptions such as "that man with divine fire," the speaker paints a compelling portrait of the honored Gandhi, imbuing them with an aura of greatness and reverence. By relating Gandhi to something ‘divine’ a theme of worship is formed - making Gandhi almost seem celestial and above others. This imagery conjures an image of someone possessing exceptional qualities and charisma, commanding admiration and respect from all who encounter him. Additionally, the metaphorical depiction of "the living flame which he lighted there" within the hearts of the people symbolizes the enduring legacy and inspiration left by Gandhi. This motif established through the use of lexical cluster such as “divine,” “flame,” and “light” create an overarching empowering tone for Gandhi, eulogizing his legacy as a leader. This honorable imagery not only conveys the everlasting impact of Gandhi within the spirits of the audience but also underscores his ability to ignite passion and motivation within them. By invoking powerful images of Gandhi, Nehru is able to commemorate Gandhi and simultaneously emotionally inspire the audience to continue fighting for India. As a result, the speech becomes more than just a collection of words; it becomes a vivid tapestry of emotion and imagery that resonates long after the words have faded away.

Additionally, the speech utilizes parallel structure to uplift the spirits of the audience despite Gandhi’s passing and imbue the discourse with a rhythmic cadence. An exemplary instance of this technique is evident in the repetition of the phrase "He lives in the hearts of millions and he will live for immemorial ages." Through this repetition, the speaker emphasizes the enduring impact of Gandhi’s honor, reinforcing the notion that his legacy transcends time and space. This hyperbolic reaction not only creates an effective response - especially towards an audience who idolized Gandhi - but also emphasizes the effectively vivid and dramatic emotional effect used by Nehru in his speech to deliver his ultimate message: they must not give up. Moreover, the verb tense of ‘he lives’ and ‘he will live’ emphasizes Nehru’s confidence in Gandhi’s impact to the people but also the importance of keeping Gandhi close to their hearts in order to remember their purpose. Nonetheless, through the parallel structure, the speech not only lends a sense of symmetry and coherence to the overall narrative but also amplifies the resonance of its central theme - Gandhi’s legacy.

Moreover, as evident in the juxtaposition between Gandhi's illustrious accomplishments and the perceived failings of the current generation, Nehru aims to underscore the imperative need for collective responsibility. As Gandhi had “suffer[ed] tremendously, though his tender face never lost its smile and he never spoke a harsh word to anyone," this contrast highlights Gandhi's resilience and unwavering commitment to his ideals despite facing personal hardships. The juxtaposition between Gandhi suffering and his tender face reveals the side of Gandhi that not many audiences may have been knowledgeable of. As an effect, the speaker is able to unveil his close relationship with Gandhi and enhance his position as the Prime Minister who aims to inspire the Indian public. Moreover, the prevailing contrast between “darkness” and “illumination” situates the audience to face reality without Gandhi while underscoring the immense influence he had on many individuals within and outside of India. At the core, this juxtaposition serves to present the urgent need for introspection and action in addressing contemporary challenges, compelling the audience to reflect on the stark disparities between past achievements and present realities. Hence, through this strategic use of contrast, the speech not only highlights the enduring relevance of Gandhi's legacy but also underscores the imperative for societal progress and collective responsibility.

In conclusion, the literary techniques imbedded within the speech creates a profoundly effective emotional response ranging from grief to hope. Through his appeal to the audience’s pathos, Nehru is able to seamlessly weaving together commemoration, gratitude, and a call to action, compelling them to reflect on the legacy of Gandhi being honored and to consider their own role in shaping the future. In doing so, the speech transcends mere words to become a poignant and unforgettable tribute, leaving a lasting imprint on all who hear it.

Criteria	Mark	Feedback
A	4	The response demonstrates a very good understanding of the text and the author’s choices. The interpretation is insightful although more support from the text could have strengthened the writing.
B	4	The analysis is clear and sophisticated, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the author’s use of stylistic and rhetorical devices. However, fundamental techniques that reflect the overall nature of a eulogy (i.e., euphemism) could have been mentioned.
C	5	The essay is well-organized, with a logical progression of ideas. The candidate was able to center the analysis by delving into multiple purposes achieved within one speech.
D	5	The language is generally clear and appropriate, with appropriate variation. Terminology is used accurately and varyingly. The language is suitable for literary analysis, though it may lack some sophistication. However, expressions were clear enough with no hindrances.
18 / 20