Rhetorical Analysis of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Speech (Free Essay Sample)
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie born 15 September 1977 is a Nigerian writer whose works include novels, short stories and nonfiction. She was described in The Times Literary Supplement as "the most prominent" of a "procession of critically acclaimed young anglophone authors which is succeeding in attracting a new generation of readers to African literature," particularly in her second home, the United States. In her speech, Chimamanda demands European nations to confront their involvement in the history of colonial brutality and return stolen artworks and artifacts of spiritual significance from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Chimamanda believes that a story is only true if it is told in full, pointing to colonial history, which is only taught in parts in German schools. She discusses the omissions, the way the significance of what happened is denied, and Europe's need to confront its colonial past. She then quotes former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, saying, "Mistakes were made, and crimes were committed." But no one can expect today's generations to apologize for the sins of previous generations." Sarkozy’s words illustrate her thesis and make it unmistakably true. They symbolize Europe's approach to its colonial past. "Yes, there was colonialism," Europe admits, "but..." - and it is this 'but' that is the issue. Since history tends to focus on what happens after it, the period before it becomes more essential. The word "but" absolves Europe of any responsibility for confronting its past. "Because giving only one side of the story is essentially lying,"(Adichie). Chimamanda explains. Her arrival is met with quiet. Her tone is serious, determined, and self-assured. However, rather than stories of blame, she tells stories of justice, injustice, and compassion.
Nations that accumulated wealth and developed their country by taking other countrie's treasures should not be allowed to get away with their actions merely because they are a powerful country so no one will criticize their actions.“It is not merely condescending to say I cannot return what I stole from you, because you will not take good care of it; it is also lacking in basic logic, since when has the basis of ownership been taking good care of what is owned.This position is paternalistic arrogance of the most stunning sort. It does not matter whether Africans or Asians or Latin Americans can take care of the arts stolen from them;what matters is that it is theirs.”(Adichie). Chimamanda uses logos to illustrate that plundering the wealth of other nations cannot be justified by claiming that if they cannot take care of their treasures.
Chimamanda utilizes pathos to make a compelling case about how Germany is not known for its crimes perpetrated during its colonial rule that sent hundreds of Africans men to death because of their brutality. “Germany is Beethoven and Germany is bach and Germany is also its colonial atrocities that has resulted in hundreds of African skulls being stored in the basement of museums here in Berlin; skulls of men whose spirits cannot be at rest.”(Adichie). She also said that those who died their souls won’t be at peace after what the German soldiers did to them, therefore, she uses this quote to persuade the audience’s emotions in a way to make them feel what it’s like to be an African back then.
Chimamanda communicates to her audience the message regarding the fact that the historical objects should be returned to their rightful owners. “Obviously, I don’t think that everything should be sent back to the countries from which they came-not everything was stolen. But those things that are sacred; those things from whom people were killed; those things that have the stains of innocent blood should be returned.” (Adichie). She tries to emphasize the importance that those relics hold for her community through ethos, considering her ancestors gave up their lives to protect and secure them.
A rhetorical question is one that addresses the reader directly. It gives the reader a chance to pause and consider the subject. In Chimamanda’s speech she states that, “Where do Germany’s treasures belong?”(Adichie). She uses a rhetorical question to draw the audience’s attention on how it is a silly question to ask about where do the treasures of a country belong to , but this rule doesn’t apply on the African nations since most of their treasure are in Europe and no one’s talking about it.
Another example is, “Since when has the basis of ownership been taking good care of what is owned?”(Adichie). Chimamanda expressed her feelings through a rhetorical question to make a strong argument about how unfair it is to steal the treasures of a country and get away with it simply just by saying that, “I can take care of it more than you do”.
Chimamanda tries to capture the audience's attention through repetition. She expresses, “Art lives in history and history lives in art “(Adichie). She illustrates the importance of art and how everyone recognize a nation's history through its artifacts, and by saying that she basically wants to convince the European nations to return the stolen artifacts to Africa , since for Europe these artifacts are just masterpieces, however, for Africa they have a deeper meaning , it’s their history.
She employs repetition which generates a rhythm and flow in her speech that attracts the audience's attention and lets them follow the same rhythm at the same tempo, allowing her to effectively communicate her point. Chimamanda mentions in her speech, “But it takes courage to face those parts and bring in some light. And this is a time for courage, the courage to hear dissenting voices such as those of the people who are outside right now protesting. They should be heard and included. They have valid concerns. The courage not merely to say “We take your criticism.” But to follow it with action. The courage to say “We were wrong.” The courage to say about art acquired illicitly “This is not ours. Tell us what to do with it.” The courage to do provenance work and actively use local knowledge. The courage to act and to act now and not become crippled by endless planning and endless talking. The courage to believe that it can be better.”(Adichie). Chimamanda utilizes a repetition device to persuade the European nations to have the courage admit that what they did is completely wrong and they should make up for what they did from stealing treasures and murdering Africans . She wants them to have the courage to return what they stole and apologize for what they did and that’s the least they can do.
Chimamanda's speech had a significant influence on the audience because the words, time, and energy she put into it are a gift to everyone who hasn't yet realized why Germany is accountable for returning the art it has stolen. They are a gift because they cannot be taken for granted; they are a call to those who nurture, feed, and uphold patriarchal structures to listen and learn consideration. The fact that she wants communication with people who are involved in the situation demonstrates her bravery and inner courage. It may be unpleasant to speak with folks who are blocked from perceiving their own shame and confronting some uncomfortable facts by their own comfortable, privileged status. She explains in an understandable manner about how she feels compelled to engage in a racial debate about stolen art, addressing the difficult topic of whether the artifacts should be returned. What is the solution? They should, of course. They never should have been stolen in the first place . Anyone who is paying attention will know what is being said. At least, they would if the world shifted its attitude on listening, since far too often, people pass up opportunities to listen to others. Instead, they take difficult facts and judgments personally. But what if everyone saw listening as a chance to improve themselves? If they did then the world might be able to utilize the inner power to nod, remain silent, and understand since active listening requires bravery, acknowledging mistakes, and recognising structural issues. A problem can not be addressed efficiently unless it is perceived. Chimamanda began her remarks by emphasizing her belief in communication. Her speech is a crucial beginning point for rethinking the racial past as it is going to be told for generations, and yet it is not told enough. This is due to how everyone handles listening. The more people listen to those who are disadvantaged in a patriarchal culture, the higher their prospects of eliminating discriminatory structures and taking purposeful action against them. Because, as Chimamanda says: "telling only one side of the story is essentially lying".
Work citations:
https://www.sleek-mag.com/article/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-uncomfortable-truths/
https://allafrica.com/stories/202109300579.html
https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2022/02/nigerian-novelist-chimamanda-ngozi.html
The speech link : https://youtu.be/jV354KCUZW0
