Victor Hugo's Address to the Audience: Freedom of the Press in Acts and Words II
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Victor Hugo, Acts and Words II, Freedom of the Press, Metaphor, Anaphora, Antithesis, French Revolution, Patriotism
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Abstract
In this excerpt from Acts and Words II, Victor Hugo delivers a powerful speech on the importance of freedom of the press, highlighting its significance for humanity and its role in progress and liberty. Through metaphors, anaphora, and antithesis, Hugo engages his audience in a fight for freedom, recalling the French Revolution and patriotism. Discover how Hugo addresses his audience and the significance of his message.
Extract
[...] in his monk's Latin' to question and support the previous metamorphosis pope . the old dragon and the beast of the Apocalypse' (v.7). The use of antithesis (v.14) 'humanity under the earth . darkness above with the use of words 'dark', 'terrible', 'tyranny' emphasizes this negative vision. 2. A route to the future We note a real spatial and temporal progression. Firstly, the temporal progression through an analepsis (v.5) to (V.8) remember . followed by the repetition of the word 'future' through his discourse. [...]
[...] The speech pays tribute to the freedom of the press. The studied problem: In what way does Victor Hugo address his audience? I. The press is a progress for humanity 1. The press, a liberty It is observed that the word 'press' is repeated throughout this speech to reinforce and highlight the freedom of this word. The press, through a metaphor, is compared to a 'locomotive that passes' (v.10) symbol of a freedom of travel, of movement. Several rhetorical questions (v.10) 'Where is it going?' as well as the anaphora 'Where' are identified. [...]
[...] Victor Hugo's hope is also marked by the recall of the French Revolution (v.16) associated with 'hope', 'certainty'. Finally, the speech ends with a lilote (v.25) 'to his deliverance elsewhere', the goal being to say little to appeal to the imagination and hope of his listeners. Conclusion : Through this speech, Victor Hugo recalls that the press is a progress, a freedom acquired that cannot be lost. He is aware of the pejorative vision that the press can wear and wants to involve the audience in his fight for its freedom, with hope and future. [...]
[...] Here, the press is compared. At verse 12, the metaphor 'press . this powerful tug' is noted, associating the press with a means of leading, carrying, and leading the people. With the anaphora of the word 'Courage' (v.20), the press is associated with the great discoveries of the 19th century 'locomotive . thought . science . philosophy . press . spirit'. 3. A force of persuasion There is an alternation between the and rhetorical questions such as 'What is the patriot's auxiliary?', which calls for the audience's attention. [...]
