Elie Wiesel uses pathos in "The Perils of Indifference" to evoke a deep emotional response from his audience regarding the consequences of indifference to human suffering. Pathos, which appeals to the audience's emotions, is particularly effective in Wiesel's work because it allows him to communicate the gravity of apathy in the face of atrocities, drawing on his own experiences as a Holocaust survivor.
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Personal Experience: Wiesel's own history lends authenticity to his message. By sharing his harrowing experiences, he elicits sympathy and compassion from the audience, making them more receptive to his warnings about indifference.
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Moral Responsibility: Wiesel emphasizes that indifference can lead to catastrophic outcomes. By appealing to the audience’s sense of morality and justice, he challenges them to reflect on their own responsibilities towards those who suffer.
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Historical Context: He references historical events, such as the Holocaust and more recent genocides, to highlight that indifference has been a recurring issue throughout history. This connection evokes an emotional response by reminding the audience of the real human costs of inaction.
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Call to Action: By generating emotional responses, Wiesel inspires his audience to take a stand against indifference. His poignant remarks aim to motivate listeners to engage with and help those in need, rather than turning away.
Overall, Wiesel's use of pathos serves to deepen the audience's understanding of the dangers of indifference and to motivate them towards empathy and action.