Question

2. Read the excerpt from “Acres of Diamonds,” a speech given by Russell H. Conwell at a graduation ceremony at Temple University. Then answer the question. excerpt from “Acres of Diamonds” What is the speaker’s purpose and viewpoint in “Acres of Diamonds”? How does the speaker use rhetoric to advance his purpose and clearly convey his viewpoint? Use evidence from the text to support your response. Your response should be one or two complete paragraphs. Answer: Type your answer here.

Answer 1

Russell Conwell was a baptist minister, the first president of Temple University and a captain during the Civil War. At the ten year reunion of his troops, he delivered the Acres of Diamonds speech. He was asked to deliver the speech thousands of times in cities all over the world. Ticket sales paid for his travel and accommodations. The remaining money he sent back to Temple, where it paid for the education of nearly 2000 students.

The speech is a commentary on attitudes toward money and wealth. It urges the audience to discover the wealth in front of them rather than search far off places in vain or believe that success is unattainable.