Question

In his editorial, Allen talks about the sanctity of the human conscience and the enlightenment that comes from debate. Explain how the connotations of these words convey his tone.

Answer 1

Allen uses these words to convey his feelings about personal freedom. He believes that each person has the right to their own beliefs and opinions (sanctity of human conscience). The “enlightenment” that comes from the debate just means that he believes in the freedom to test these ideas. The debate can be educational, important, and can possibly change your outlook on some ideas.

Answer 2

let's analyse what the "sanctity of human conscience is". Sanctity here means that something is sacred - and that it can't be questioned. This gives the connotation that human conscience (for him: the ability to make one's judgements) is important (sacred).- so this ability to make one's judgement is important to the author.

Then the "enlightenement" - this bring with itself the connotation that the debate is very educational, teaches us about something, in a way that's perhaps life-changing. This is also reflected in his tone: that the debate itself is very important.