Conflicting Perspectives
History and conflict are synonymous.
Conflicts can come in many forms, usually political, and can have various representations.
Composers of texts use conflicting perspectives to assert their own perspective on the issue and pursue their own agenda. Conflicting perspectives on the War on Terror are reflected in George Bush’s address to the people of Fort Bragg and the opposing views of Senator Byrd’s comments on the issue in a feature article titled, I Hope We May Find the Courage….
Brutus’s inclusive language in, *“If any, speak; for him have I offended. … I pause for a reply.” represents his perspective and attempts to justify his actions. He questions the opposition to his perspective; “If any, speak; for him have I offended.” Between each repetition he reinstates his own perspective through cumulative listing. The repetition diminishes the effect of “if any…” and the cumulative listing produces a more persuasive perspective. Strong use of these rhetorical techniques suggests of Shakespeare’s intent to make Brutus’s speech more persuasive. Brutus’s remarks are supported through the citizens’ response; "Caesar's better partsShall be crown'd in Brutus.”* showing their insights into the issue.
In addition the composers have chosen suitable textual forms to represent their texts effectively. Using a speech allows Bush to address a large audience formally. A speech is also very direct where themain focus of attention is the words of the speech. By using a feature article, Byrd’s text has a formal but engaging appeal and as a feature article it has an image of truthfulness. Therefore, both composers have chosen appropriate textual forms to persuade their audience.
We can see similarities between the ways in which the composers present their perspectives through the use of rhetorical devices and textual forms to appeal to the audiences’ sense of judgement and their emotions. The conflicting perspectives presented in...