THE DEATH PENALTY- Victor Hugo
Gentlemen of the Jury, if there is a culprit here, it is not my son, … it is myself, … it is I! I, who for these twenty-five years have opposed capital punishment, … have contented for the inviolability of human life, … have committed this crime for which my son is now arraigned. Here I denounce myself, Mr. Advocate General! I have committed it under all aggravated circumstances - deliberately, repeatedly, and tenaciously. Yes, this old and absurd "lextalionix" - this law of blood for blood - I have combated all my life - all my life, Gentlemen of the Jury! And while I have breath, I will continue to combat it, by all my efforts as a writer, by all my words and all my votes as a legislator! I declare it before the crucifix; before that victim of the penalty of death, who sees and hears us; before that gibbet, to which, two thousand years ago, for the eternal instruction of the generations the human law nailed the Divine!
In all that my son has written on the subject of capital punishment and for writing and publishing that for which he is now on trial, - in all that he has written, he has merely proclaimed the sentiments with which, from his infancy, I have inspired him.
Gentlemen, Jurors, the right to criticize a law, and to criticize it severely - especially a penal - is placed beside the duty of amelioration, like the torch beside the work under the artisan's hand. The right of the journalist is a sacred, as necessary, as the right of the legislator.
What are the circumstances? A man, a convict, a sentenced wretch, is dragged, on a certain morning, to one of our public squares. There he finds the scaffold! He shudders. He struggles. He refuses to die. The victim clings to the scaffold, and shrieks for pardon. His clothes are torn, … his shoulders bloody… still he resists. They drag him forth, haggard, bloody, weeping, pleading… howling for life… calling upon God, calling upon his father and mother, … For like a very child had this man become in the prospect of death - they drag him forth to execution. He is hoisted on the scaffold, and his head falls!
And then through every conscience runs a shoulder. Never had legal murder appeared with an aspect so indecent, so abominable. All feel jointly implicated in the deed… it is at this very moment that from a young man's breast escapes a cry, wrung from his very heart… a cry of pity and anguish… a cry of horror… a cry of humanity. And this cry would punish! And in the face of the appalling facts which I have narrated, you would say to the guillotine, "Thou art right!" and to Pity, saintly Pity, "Thou art wrong!"
Gentlemen of the Jury, it cannot be! Gentlemen, I have finished.
"The Death Penalty" is a declamation piece that discusses the moral and ethical implications of capital punishment. It explores the idea that taking a life in response to a crime is not justice, but rather an extension of violence. The piece challenges society to seek alternative forms of punishment that uphold human dignity.
what is the shortest declamation piece
what is the shortest declamation piece
One example of a declamation piece is "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas. This poem is a powerful plea to resist death and embrace life with passion and vigor. Through its stirring language and emotional depth, it encourages readers to live boldly and fiercely in the face of mortality.
To deliver a declamation piece effectively, first, understand the message and emotions behind the piece. Practice delivering it with appropriate gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice to convey the emotions effectively. Maintain good posture, eye contact, and speak clearly with proper enunciation to captivate your audience. Finally, remember to show passion and conviction in your delivery to leave a lasting impact on your listeners.
"The Visit" is a play by Friedrich Dürrenmatt that explores themes of vengeance and justice. A declamation piece from this play could be a monologue by the character Claire Zachanassian, expressing her desire for revenge against the town that wronged her. This monologue would showcase the character's determination and the moral dilemmas faced by the townspeople.
A short declamation piece makes a statement. We were crowded in the car is an example of a short declamation piece.
i want the declamation piece trapped.
A declamation piece is a selection of writing, often a speech or poem, that is performed or recited publicly to convey a particular message or emotion. It is typically dramatic or emotionally expressive in nature and is intended to captivate and engage an audience.
a short English declamation piece
Is there any declamation piece by carolina valiente?
Here's a copy of the declamation piece that you are looking for. blogbored(dot)com/declamation-piece-im-guilty