Evaluation Of Chief Seattle’s Speech To Governor Isaac A. Stevens
Chief Seattle shares his viewpoint on the US’s efforts to buy Native American lands in an address to Governor Isaac A. Stevens. His speech is intended to warn government officials to treat Native Americans fairly. Chief Seattle’s oration emphasizes the need for justice by using figurative and somber language to contrast his tribe with Americans.
Chief Seattle’s speech is a comparison of his native people with white Americans. He states, “His [America] people are numerous… My people few”. Chief Seattle says that Americans must treat the minority group with fairness, citing the differences in the populations on each side. Chief Seattle attributes the duty of protecting natives to white men. Chief Seattle also states, “To our people, the ashes of their ancestors and the place where they rest are hallowed grounds.” You are seemingly unremorseful as you wander away from the graves your ancestors.
Seattle uses numerous metaphors to illustrate his points. In the second section, he claims that “there was a day when our people were as numerous and powerful as the waves on a huge sea.” He asserts this concept by comparing their previous numbers with those of an enormous sea. Seattle continues his argument by saying that, “Our People are Ebbing Away Like a Rapidly Receding Tide That Will Never Return.” He uses this metaphor to further support the deserving respect of native people.
Chief Seattle also uses a somber, resigned tone in his speech to emphasize the caution he is urging on the US Government. It is clear that Chief Seattle uses a somber tone when describing the sad deterioration his native men have undergone. It is important to emphasize the urgency with which he warns. The tone is dismal, which emphasizes the urgency of his warning.
They deserve a fair agreement in their mutual relations, even though the Native American’s population began to decline long before the US bought their land. They accept the loss in their attempts to reclaim and resurrect their numbers. Leaders, like Chief Seattle, ask the US only to be sympathetic. Native American reservation establishments show that Native Americans were treated with some regard.
