Stephanie Harding Engl 121- 206 October 14, 2014 Rhetorical Essay In 2004 Dr. Toni Morrison gave the Commencement Address to Wellesley College. Class of 2004. Wellesley College is a private womens liberal-arts college in the town of Wellesley, Massachusetts, it is one of the most well known institutions of higher education in the country and widely acknowledged as the nations top college for women. I was very dissatisfied with Dr. Morrisons delivery, and tone of this address. My expectation was to see and hear much more uplifting affirming words to a graduating class full of women embarking into the world . Being a woman who herself has achieved many prestigious literary awards. One looks to see stronger words of encouragement. Not veiled covert messages. Dr. Morrison begins expressing that she at first was delighted to be asked to address the graduates.. But her second response was not so. “I was delighted to be asked to participate and return to this campus. But my second response was not so happy. I was very anxious about having to figure out something to say to this particular class at this particular time, because I was really troubled by what could be honestly said in 2004 to over 500 elegantly educated.”(Morrison) This statement causes me to believe Dr. Morrison did not want to deliver this address. Which also explains her tone and manner of delivery. The women did seem to be pleased to have Dr. Morrison address them however, there was not a great nor overwhelming reaction from them. In fact there were many times with complete silence. This was quite surprising to me being that Dr. Morrison is a Noble Prize winner in Literature. I do understand the occasion was a serious occasion. Yet it should not be solemn. The women reacted as if they were at a State of the Union address rather than their Graduation. Many of her statements felt as if she was the bitter aunt I would have to rest my case on some bromide, like the future is yours for the taking. Or, that it’s whatever you make of it. But the fact is it is not yours for the taking. And it is not whatever you make of it. The future is also what other people make of it.(Morrison) A statement such as this leaves me with the thought, My life is based on others. Where is my hope in life? Defiantly not in her next reference to the future. She speaks to the world being finite humans making claims to power beyond its reach. Again I am feeling my bitter aunt who wants to encourage me. Just not quite knowing how. I am not sure of what her struggle is. But There is a definite struggle with encouraging the women while presenting the realness of life. I am not sure if my expectation was too high. But given the caliber of Dr. Morrison’s literary persona and her teaching resume. My disappointment is quite justified. Following Dr. Morrison as a speaker seems to be for me just as difficult as with her literary writings. I will take time to re-listen and re-read this address again. My stance may change. However at this point I feel let down and pray Dr. Morrison will not be my commencement speaker. Worked Cited “Toni Morrison Wellesley College Commencement Address. NPR,NPR 28 May 2014. Web. 14 October 2014.
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 11:04:47 +0000
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