Nelson Mandela Speech Analysis

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Nelson Mandela 1. The speech is in the plural ‘We’ and not in the first person. This maybe because both he and De Klerk both won the prize or because he accepted on behalf of the nation as De Klerk had his own speech. 2. The person who shall have done the most or best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies for holding and promotion of peace congresses - look at this. 3. Thanked everyone who was involved in Apartheid. Apartheid is spelt with a capital A, which is quite interesting as it is very important. 4. He pays respect to Martin Luther King Jr. He appreciates the work done by him for freedom, humanity and for blacks or as MLK said ‘negroes’. NM does not say Negroes but he makes a speech for all mankind, irrespective of race, religion, gender or creed [but …show more content…

He says that it can never happen again, in part he along with his people have achieved what they set out to do. It shows that he is humble but also afraid that things can sometimes go backwards. He is asking/telling people for support. 8. He tells the world that there are those who do not want or believe in the change. This again shows his vulnerability. 9. He is accepting the prize for future peace, this is something MLK accepted the Nobel Peace Price for. Not for the past or present peace but being optimist of future humanity and peace. MLK mentioned it in his speech as Nelson Mandela mentioned in his ‘we do not believe this Nobel Peace Prize is intended as a commendation for matters that have happened and passed.’ 10. He challenges the MLK quote ‘Humanity can no longer be tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war.’ 11. De Klerks speech focused on moving forward from Apartheid, about how strong the country is and creating a better society. 12. Nelson Mandela does not mention his family or his children. His speech is about the country, the nation and about world peace and negation of inhumane treatment

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