204 ❯ STEP 5. Build Your Test-Taking Confidence
1234In his oration to Governor Isaac I. Stevens, Chief Seattle attempts to convince the
whites that they should deal fairly with the Native Americans despite their inferior
status. Through the use of rhetorical strategies and devices like figurative language,
organization, diction, and tone, he appeals both to the pride and the reason of the
Governor, reminding him that, though weak, the Natives are not powerless.
Chief Seattle begins his oration in a friendly manner, appealing to the Governor and
the white’s pride while recognizing their superior status. He refers to the Governor as “the
great” and “the good White Chief ” throughout the piece, hoping the governor will look
favorably on his subordinance despite the mocking that is hidden in his words. Seattle
takes responsibility for the plight of the Natives, another strategy that undoubtedly
makes him more respectable and admirable to the Governor, although he does not
necessarily believe his people are truly at fault. In yet another attempt to get or remain
on the Governor’s “good side,” Seattle says that the young Indian warriors’ “hearts are
black,” blaming them and not the whites for the warfare and distrust that characterizes
the Native American–American relationship. To increase his own credibility, Seattle uses
the simile “my words are like the stars that never change,” once more emphasizing his
steadfastness and ability to work with the Americans. By presenting himself as inferior,
apologetic, responsible and respectful, Seattle attempts to win Stevens’ favor.
In addition to promoting his own respectability, Seattle emphasizes differences
between his people and the Americans. Appreciating the Americans’ “generosity” and
“friendship and goodwill,” Seattle points out the differences between the two peoples in a
respectful manner. He calls the whites his “paleface brothers,” but is certain to point out
that they believe in different supreme beings, have different customs, are “two distinct
races with separate origins and separate destinies.” With rhetorical questions like “How
then can we be brothers?” Seattle suggests that the two peoples cannot intermingle
through no fault of their own. Instead of blaming the Americans, he implies that they are
just and kind and that the peoples’ lack of friendship is just the way it’s supposed to be.
Despite his calm, almost compromising attitude throughout his oration, Chief
Seattle does, at certain points, warn Governor Stevens of the power of his people. Short
of belligerent, these comments are often made in a manner that implies rather than
openly affirms Native American strength and lack of fear. With the emotional statement
“Indians’ night promises to be dark,” Seattle almost suggests that his people have nothing
to lose if the relationship with the Americans goes sour. They have already lost so much
that they will fight to the end. Seattle warns that “these shores will swarm with the
invisible dead of my tribe... the White Man will never be alone.” Thus, he reminds
Stevens that, even though his people are but “the scattering trees of a storm-swept plain,”
they are strong—a force to be reckoned with. In a respectful manner, he manages
to threaten Stevens and clearly deliver his message that the tribe will not so easily be
destroyed.Chief Seattle Passage—Student Sample A