Question

In one paragraph, analyze how the speaker in A Voice in the Flood uses repetition to build a persuasive tone. Support your answer with evidence.



Passage: “A Voice in the Flood” (speech excerpt)

Delivered at a relief rally following a devastating hurricane:

“We do not stand here as broken people. We stand as builders. The flood waters may have swallowed our homes, but they have not swallowed our voices. And when thousands of voices rise together, they are stronger than the storm itself.”

Answer 1

In “A Voice in the Flood,” the speaker employs repetition effectively to cultivate a persuasive and unifying tone that inspires resilience and collective strength. The use of phrases such as “we do not stand here” and “we stand” serves to contrast vulnerability with empowerment, emphasizing that, despite the devastation wrought by the hurricane, the community remains intact and proactive. The repetition of “voices” reinforces the idea that individual experiences and expressions contribute to a greater collective identity. By stating, “when thousands of voices rise together,” the speaker highlights the power of unity, suggesting that their combined strength is formidable enough to withstand and overcome any adversity, including “the storm itself.” This insistence on community solidarity persuades the audience to view their situation not as one of despair but as an opportunity to rebuild and rise stronger together.