Ted Kennedy Eulogy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH9yYwM2pN8&feature=related

1) Describe how multimedia enhances the eulogy. Consider still and moving images as well as text.

The multimedia utilized in Obama's eulogy for Senator Ted Kennedy was very useful and effective. Over the course of the fifteen-minute presentation, there were just a few images and videos shown. Nonetheless, they were used in appropriate places and brought Kennedy to life. Aside from some humorous moments, the greatest moment was the video of Kennedy sailing away peacefully. This cleverly symbolized Kennedy's continuing journey and left the audience in a good state of mind.

2) Comment on Ted Kennedy's attitude to service. Provide examples.

Kennedy was extremely committed to improving the lives of American people. An example of Kennedy's diligence is the large number of laws that he managed to pass (approximately three hundred by him alone) and his endless pursuit of universal health care. Obama commented on Kennedy truly caring for people. He said that Kennedy personally called each of the one hundred and seventy-seven families that lost someone to the 9/11 attacks and how Kennedy continuously followed up and ensured they received the proper grief counseling.

3) Comment on the effective use of rhetoric and diction in Obama's speech.

One of the most important elements of any eulogy is the speaker's ability to contrast humour and seriousness. Obama, a very experienced speaker, does a superb job of this. He begins by somberly discussing some of Kennedy's achievements and successes in life, but without missing a beat, hilariously describes Kennedy offering a Texas Committee Chairman his favorite cigars in hopes of passing an immigration bill. Obama also specifically alludes to many past events to add authenticity to his speech. As an individual and president known for his speaking ability, Obama's diction is noteworthy and he avoids being overly repetitive at all costs.

Siddhartha- Herman Hesse

This past summer, I read the novel Siddhartha, which was written by Nobel Prize-winning author Hermann Hesse. Siddhartha, the Brahmin's son, is a very talented and blessed young man, but struggles in his pursuit of greater knowledge and inner peace. After much deliberation, Siddhartha and his loyal friend Govinda join a group of samanas and leave all pleasures behind. After years of suffering, the two colleagues encounter the Buddha and listen to his teachings. Siddhartha is wildly impressed but still lacks the faith that the Buddha's teachings will give him ultimate satisfaction. He departs on a different journey while Govinda stays behind. Siddhartha eventually settles into a new life of riches and becomes acquainted with Kamaswami, a wealthy merchant, and Kamala, a beautiful courtesan. He soon realizes the folly of his ways and considers committing suicide, but suddenly hears "Om," the sound of perfection. Siddhartha chooses to live with Vasudeva, a simple ferryman, and dies peacefully in the presence of Govinda.

Hesse manages to keep Siddhartha flowing through his impressive yet crisp vocabulary choices. The descriptions of the protagonist's thoughts are lengthy and complex, but never overbearing. Hesse shows the growth of Siddhartha from a young, restless adolescent into a peaceful old man. Siddhartha goes through many trials and Hesse clearly conveys his message that one must go through several trials and experiences before attaining peace and contentment. Govinda also grows throughout the novel as he emerges from Siddhartha's shadow and lives a happy life of his own. The development of each character is very realistic, and makes the character-driven novel an enjoyable read. An interesting element of Siddhartha is that dialogue is seldom used. In the Ancient India described in the book, individuals rarely spoke unless they had something important to say. It was only suitable for Hesse to save dialogue for important situations. When utilized, the dialogue fits in seamlessly and adds dimensions to characters.

There are three passages in Siddhartha that I found particularly interesting:

"Although Siddhartha fled from the Self a thousand times, dwelt in nothing, dwelt in animal and stone, the return was inevitable; the hour was inevitable when he would again find himself, in sunshine or in moonlight, in shadow or in rain, and was again Self and Siddhartha, again felt the torment of the onerous life cycle." (16) This quotation captures the despair felt by Siddhartha. It shows that this experience with the ascetics will be valuable, but will never grant him true peace. At this stage, I couldn't help but feel that Siddhartha needed to accept the world and believed that even though he gave up worldly pleasures, he still displayed selfishness in a hopeless quest.

"It seemed to him that he had spent his life in a worthless and senseless manner; he retained nothing vital, nothing in any way precious or worth while. He stood alone, like a shipwrecked man on the shore." (82) This quotation is perfectly written, which gives it great appeal. Siddhartha was once content with hoarding riches, but will not cease to search for perfection.

"Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom." (142) Govinda has once again returned to Siddhartha's side, and he inquires as to whether Siddhartha has created a doctrine. Siddhartha, now at peace, delivers this thought-provoking statement. This gives us the impression that his journey has reached its conclusion.