Excerpt from Little Women: Chapter 34 by Louisa May Alcott

Question

To Reverend Braxton, family, friends, admirers, and this amazing choir:

I — I feel it an honor to be here to come and say a final goodbye.

I grew up in the South, and Rosa Parks was a hero to me long before I recognized and understood the power and impact that her life embodied. I remember my father telling me about this colored woman who had refused to give up her seat. And in my child's mind, I thought, "She must be really big." I thought she must be at least a hundred feet tall. I imagined her being stalwart and strong and carrying a shield to hold back the white folks.

And then I grew up and had the esteemed honor of meeting her. And wasn't that a surprise. Here was this petite, almost delicate lady who was the personification of grace and goodness. And I thanked her then. I said, "Thank you," for myself and for every colored girl, every colored boy, who didn't have heroes who were celebrated.

I thanked her then.

And after our first meeting I realized that God uses good people to do great things. And I'm here today to say a final thank you, Sister Rosa, for being a great woman who used your life to serve, to serve us all. That day that you refused to give up your seat on the bus, you, Sister Rosa, changed the trajectory of my life and the lives of so many other people in the world. I would not be standing here today nor standing where I stand every day had she not chosen to sit down. I know that. I know that. I know that. I know that, and I honor that. Had she not chosen to say we shall not — we shall not be moved.

So I thank you again, Sister Rosa, for not only confronting the one white man [whose] seat you took, not only confronting the bus driver, not only for confronting the law, but for confronting history, a history that for 400 years said that you were not even worthy of a glance, certainly no consideration. I thank you for not moving.

And in that moment when you resolved to stay in that seat, you reclaimed your humanity and you gave us all back a piece of our own. I thank you for that. I thank you for acting without concern. I often thought about what that took, knowing the climate of the times and what could have happened to you, what it took to stay seated. You acted without concern for yourself and made life better for us all. We shall not be moved.

I marvel at your will.

I celebrate your strength to this day.

And I am forever grateful, Sister Rosa, for your courage, your conviction.

I owe you — to succeed.

I will not be moved.

What is the effect of the change in structure in this section?

Answer 1

The change in structure in this section, with the use of shorter sentences and repetition of phrases like "I thank you" and "we shall not be moved," creates a sense of emphasis and urgency. It adds a powerful and emotional impact to the speaker's words, highlighting their gratitude and admiration for Rosa Parks and the significant impact she had on their life and the world. The repeated phrases also serve to drive home the central message of the speech, emphasizing the importance of Rosa Parks' actions and the lasting legacy she left behind. Overall, the change in structure enhances the emotional resonance of the speaker's tribute to Rosa Parks.

Answer 2

what does the word humanity mean as used in paragraph 8

courage, dignity, fear or place

Answer 3

In paragraph 8 of the excerpt, the word "humanity" is used to refer to the inherent worth, dignity, and rights of all human beings. It signifies the essential qualities that make us human, including our ability to reason, feel emotions, and make moral judgments. In this context, Rosa Parks's act of refusing to give up her seat on the bus can be seen as a reclaiming of her humanity, asserting her right to be treated with respect and equality.

Answer 4

what word best describes Winfrey's tone in paragraph 4

humble, proud, respectful or sorrowful

Answer 5

The word that best describes Winfrey's tone in paragraph 4 is "respectful." In this paragraph, she expresses her admiration and gratitude towards Rosa Parks, recognizing her as a hero and acknowledging the impact she had on her own life and the lives of others. Winfrey's tone conveys a deep sense of respect for Parks' courage and conviction, as well as an appreciation for the positive change she brought about through her actions.

Answer 6

Consider the rhetorical choices Winfrey made in her eulogy for Rosa Parks. Select one and explain why it was particularly effective for achieving her purpose. Be sure to summarize longer pieces and directly quote words or phrases

Answer 7

One rhetorical choice Oprah Winfrey made in her eulogy for Rosa Parks was the use of repetition, specifically the phrase "we shall not be moved." This repetition of the phrase throughout the eulogy serves to emphasize the central theme of resistance, strength, and unity in the face of adversity. By repeating this powerful statement, Winfrey effectively reinforces the message of resilience and determination inspired by Rosa Parks' actions.

In her eulogy, Winfrey states, "And in that moment when you resolved to stay in that seat, you reclaimed your humanity and you gave us all back a piece of our own. I thank you for that. I thank you for acting without concern. I often thought about what that took...We shall not be moved." This repetition of "we shall not be moved" highlights the enduring impact of Parks' courageous act of defiance and serves as a rallying cry for unity and strength in the face of oppression.

By utilizing this rhetorical device, Winfrey effectively conveys the message of empowerment and solidarity, encouraging listeners to stand firm in their beliefs and convictions. The repetition of "we shall not be moved" resonates with the audience, instilling a sense of determination and hope inspired by Rosa Parks' legacy. This rhetorical choice not only reinforces the central theme of the eulogy but also motivates listeners to carry on Parks' spirit of resistance and perseverance.