Speech A's central idea celebrates the transcontinental railroad's advancement, using a metonymy, while Speech B expresses the railroad's negative impact on farmers, illustrated with a metaphor. The speeches reflect contrasting perspectives on the consequences of industrial and technological progress in post-Civil War America.
Central Ideas and Rhetorical Devices in Speeches A and B
The central idea of Speech A is that the construction of the transcontinental railroad represents a significant advancement in American expansion and progress, connecting the country and enabling economic growth. An example of a logos appeal from Speech A is the mention of the reduced time and cost of travel to California, demonstrating the practical benefits of the railroad. The rhetorical device 'the heart of our great nation with a central artery' is an example of metonymy, as it uses 'heart' and 'artery' to represent the central importance and connectivity of the railroad to America.
The central idea of Speech B is the negative impact of the railroad on farmers, detailing the hardships and struggles faced by those whose livelihoods were adversely affected by the expansion of the railroad. An example of a pathos appeal from Speech B is the description of the farmer's inability to feed families and the dangerous working conditions experienced while building the railroad, eliciting emotions of sympathy and injustice. The rhetorical device 'end of the line' represents metaphor, symbolizing the end of the farmer's way of life due to the railroad.
Speaker A's perspective focuses on the positive achievements and opportunities created by the transcontinental railroad, while Speaker B's perspective highlights the destruction of livelihoods and the exploitation of labor, emphasizing the negative consequences for certain social groups. These differing perspectives illustrate the complex impact of industrial growth and technological advancement on various segments of society.