Summary/ Analysis:
Purpose of the speech was because the nation was divided after they got independence from England
The speech is split into 3 sections: My fast as a Protest, Worthy of blessing, No softness
Gandhi uses pathos in the speech several times
Uses Ethos
Allusion
[literary device]
[literary device]
My Fast as a Protest
opening paragraph
Gandhi speaks about fasting as a whole and why people do it
“One fasts for health’s sake… penance for a wrong done….”
Talks about Ahimsa- the principle of nonviolence toward all living things.
Talks about a Votary- monk – of non-violence feels the urge to start a non-violent protest because a wrong was done in the society
Gandhi believes he was chosen to as a votary of ahimsa because there was no other way left
second paragraph
Recalls his trip from Calcutta to New Delhi
When he stopped off from the train he seen nothing but gloomy faces
Even sardar, those who were always laughing had looked gloom
The sardar was on the platform to receive him and told him of all the issues going on in the metropolis
He realized New Delhi was at a “do or die” stage
There is calm because of the military and police presence but a storm is forming and will come forth at anytime
The friendship between major religions has disappeared (hindu, sikh, muslim)
He had been thinking of fasting for a while
Fasting was his last resort of peaceful protest
If fasting didn’t work he would’ve turned to “the sword”
He was prepared to die for the cause
Worthy of Blessing
Asks everyone for their prayers
Decided the fast would last as long as needed and would only drink water
Would only end if all three major communities in India come together as one by their own will and not outside forces
He begged everyone to not be angry with him
Some of his advisors did not agree with his method and hoped he’d reconsider
He wanted his advisors to stop trying to change his mind
He just wanted the people in Delhi to listen to him
No Softness
Gandhi had fasted before this one but his wishes were not fulfilled to his satisfaction
He tried to persuade people it’s good action whether it's a win or a loss
He was willing to die for the cause just so the three groups could become unified
If Pakistan did not treat everyone equally then the indian subcontinent would fall apart
He seen the fast as an act of self purification
Historical Context:
Speech took place on January 12, 1948
Although india got independence in 1947, the speech was said because the nation was divided (January 12)
Gandhi was assassinated (January 30)
The Indo-pak war/ first Kashmir took place (May 1)
In the same year Hyderabad joined the dominion of India (September 13-18)
The Nizam of Hyderabad surrenders his state when Armed Forces of India invade(sept 6)
Armed forces of India invaded when the first governor-general of Pakistan died
In January Burma gained independence from England (January 4)
It was the year of the first olympics since wwii (Winter and Summer) (July 29)
The NASCAR organization was founded (February 21)
Costa Rican civil war took place (March 12 – April 24)
The largest flood in the history of Brampton is recorded (March 16)
The first phase of the Palestine War began (April 5)
The World Health Organization is formed (April 7)
Burma joins the UN (April 19)
ABC news began broadcasting (April 19)
First Land-Rover was unveiled (April 30)
Arab-Israeli war began (second phase of the Palestine war) (May 15)
The cold war began (Berlin Blockade) (June 24)
President Truman issued a military draft due to high tensions with Soviet Union (July 20)
Newfoundland and Labrador vote to join Canada (July 22)
Southern half of Korea becomes South Korea (August 15)
Northern half of Korea becomes North Korea (September 9)
First missile ever is launched into space by the Soviets (R-1 Missile) (October 10)
Louis Stephen St, Laurent becomes Canada's 12th Prime Minister (November 15)
Prince Charles was born (November 14)
Thomas Stearns Eliot earned the Nobel Prize for Literature
Contemporary Connection:
Still relevant because he made a sacrifice for the nation
The cause he was fasting for has now been achieved; one unity between all communities
All the communities in India now stand together and acknowledge and vow to protect their country
He is a role model for how to peacefully protest for a cause
He spoke from experience and nothing more (we lack experience nowadays)
[doing further research]