Chief Seattle's Speech: Figures of Speech

Chief Seattle's Speech: Figures of Speech:-

Several literary devices have been used in Chief Seattle's Speech, making it rather moving and impactful.

Simile

There are many similes or direct comparisons in the speech, such

as these.

My words are like the stars that never change.

There was a time when our people covered the land as the waves of a wind-ruffled sea cover its shell-paved floor...

They resemble the scattering trees of a storm-swept plain.

Metaphor

In some places, metaphors or indirect comparisons have been used. Here, the warriors' strength is being compared to that of a wall's.

His brave warriors will be to us a bristling wall of strength...

In this example, hope is being compared to a star.

Not a single star of hope hovers above his horizon.

Personification

Personification has been used in these instances where inanimate objects have been given human qualities.

Yonder sky that has wept tears of compassion...

Sad-voiced winds moan in the distance.

Rhetorical question

Another literary device that has been used is the rhetorical question, where an answer is not expected and is obvious. Rhetorical questions are often used to make speeches more emotionally appealing and persuasive..

Then in reality he will be our father and we his children. But can that ever be? How then can we be brothers?

Imagery

Powerful visual imagery like this drives home the point that for the Native Americans, their love of nature is an intrinsic part of their lifestyle.

They still love its verdant valleys, its

murmuring rivers, its magnificent

mountains, sequestered vales and verdant

lined lakes and bays....