Question

Obama's Speech at Selma, 2015" by Barack Obama Selma is such a place. In one afternoon 50 years ago, so much of our turbulent history—the stain of slavery and anguish of civil war; the yoke of segregation and tyranny of Jim Crow; the death of four little girls in Birmingham; and the dream of a Baptist preacher—all that history met on this bridge. It was not a clash of armies, but a clash of wills; a contest to determine the true meaning of America. And because of men and women like John Lewis, Joseph Lowery, Hosea Williams, Amelia Boynton, Diane Nash, Ralph Abernathy, C. T. Vivian, Andrew Young, Fred Shuttlesworth, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and so many others, the idea of a just America and a fair America, an inclusive America, and a generous America—that idea ultimately triumphed. Remarks by President Barack Obama at the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Marches Question Use the passage to answer the question. Which choice describes a rhetorical technique used in the second paragraph of the passage? (1 point) Responses The clause “It was not a clash of armies, but a clash of wills” is an example of antithesis, and it contrasts the opposing ideas of physical might and mental strength. The clause “It was not a clash of armies, but a clash of wills” is an example of antithesis, and it contrasts the opposing ideas of physical might and mental strength. The clause “that idea ultimately triumphed” is an example of metaphor, and it shows that with enough conviction a simple idea can lead to important change. The clause “that idea ultimately triumphed” is an example of metaphor, and it shows that with enough conviction a simple idea can lead to important change. The phrase “a contest to determine the true meaning of America” is an example of personification, and it exaggerates the stakes of the competition to highlight its importance. The phrase “a contest to determine the true meaning of America” is an example of personification, and it exaggerates the stakes of the competition to highlight its importance. The phrase “the idea of a just America and a fair America” is an example of parallelism, and it stresses the difference between the ideal America and the America that exists.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

The clause “It was not a clash of armies, but a clash of wills” is an example of antithesis, and it contrasts the opposing ideas of physical might and mental strength.

This choice accurately identifies the rhetorical technique of antithesis, as it presents two contrasting ideas in a balanced structure to emphasize the difference between physical confrontation and the struggle for moral and ideological influence.