Quit India

Gandhi’s speeches are full of references to people groups and individuals. What is the significance of these references? What overall impact do they have on his speeches?

Gandhi deeply inspired Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his understanding of civil disobedience. Read “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” and then write an essay in which you compare and contrast King’s and Gandhi’s rhetorical approaches to achieving their purposes. Support your answer with evidence from both works.

Gandhi often draws distinctions through the use of juxtapositions. What does he choose to emphasize through this contrast in his speeches, and why? What is the effect of relying on binaries? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

What is the effect of Gandhi’s choice to use English in his speech? Why doesn’t he speak directly to the Congress? Consider audience, context, and occasion in your response.

Write an essay in which you explore how Gandhi shifts his tone throughout the speech to achieve his purpose. Include at least three different tones that he employs and discuss how the shifts impact his speeches overall.

Gandhi argues that a democracy established by nonviolence would be better than that of the French or Russian revolution, which were both violent. Write an argumentative essay that takes a stance on Gandhi’s claim about the superiority of nonviolence during a revolution. Support your answer with evidence from the text and use outside evidence as appropriate.

India gained independence in 1947. What role did Gandhi and the Quit India Movement play in achieving this independence? How does Gandhi’s assassination in 1948 comment on this role? Support your answer with evidence from the text and research outside sources, citing evidence as appropriate.

Throughout his speech, Gandhi employs logical, emotional, and ethical appeals. Write an essay in which you determine which appeal is the most effective in helping him achieve his purpose.