The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action

The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action

People have a right to express their opinions and ideologies as stipulated under the First Amendment. However, people opt not to express their thoughts and views for various reasons, an aspect that Audre Lorde extensively addresses in the essay “The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action.” In the article, Lorde calls for people to come into their true selves by expressing the opinions and thoughts they suppress, arguing that through the transformation of silence, by transforming actions and languages “into self-acceptance and self-love” (Lorde, 1977). These opinions, thoughts, and ideologies are suppressed as silence. According to Lorde (1977), people are not their true selves when they remain silent on matters they may have a say in; thus, they call individuals to express their thoughts, suppressed into silence, through language and action.

In the essay, Lorde argues that various societal constraints inhibit people from expressing their thoughts and ideologies through actions and language. Lorde uses vocabulary in writing to talk about topics not generally spoken about in society, including breast cancer and death. Further, Lorde points out that for individuals to freely express themselves, they need support systems, just as there was support for Lorde during that time. This indicates the arrangement of her argument, whereby she introduces herself and speaks of her hidden truth, alongside the support she got from others during that time, painting a vivid picture for readers to follow.

Lorde uses rhetorical strategies to convince readers of her argument. She uses pathos, emotional persuasion, and logic to persuade readers of her idea by introducing pieces of her life story that some of her readers may relate to, including her daughter’s advice and the support she got after the breast cancer diagnosis. Lorde establishes credibility through ethos and logos, which involve Lorde’s merits as a poet and using reason and logic to establish a connection between society and silence. I find her persuasive from Lorde’s argument in the essay because she addresses social cues and constraints, showing why people behave the way they do in public.

References

Lorde, A. (1977). The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action.

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The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action

As you know, we won’t be having class this week. In the meantime, I’d like you to write a brief (1-2 pages) analysis of Audre Lorde’s “The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action,” to be submitted by or before class on Monday, February 14th. In your analysis, you should summarize Lorde’s main points, utilizing the strategies outlined in chapter 2 (The Art of Summarizing) of your textbook, They Say/I Say. What is she arguing? How does she organize her argument? How does she appeal to the emotions and logic of her audience? How does she establish her credibility? Do you find her persuasive? Why or Why not? You do not have to answer all these questions; I’ve included them here to guide/structure your analysis and help you get started. Please submit your typed research here on Canvas and email me if you have questions.