Is it red face against white face, or red faces and white faces? Chief Seattle, in this oration to Governor Stevens, discusses the comparatives and differences between these two agglomerations of people using rhetorical devices such as similes, concessions, repetitions, and tone. Through the use of these devices, Chief Seattle aims to warn the Whitefaces that although they hold the current power, and although the Native Americans want to live together, that they too have some power, and show his fellow brothers and sisters who, while they may be weak now, not only in numbers but in strength, have power and strength and the ability to eventually seek revenge on those who do them injustice. Seattle begins his oration using a simple phrase, which allows the audience to somewhat set the tone for the possibility of a simple, quick, and innocuous speech, which was Seattle's intention. "My words are like the stars that never change", this simile was used to spark the idea that his words will remain constant like the stars that never change, and that they will remain constant with his beliefs and will never change or they will be influenced by the outside world. When Seattle refers to the president as "the big boss of Washington" it is an act of concession to the white men, calling him not just boss, but big boss is a huge sign of respect and a huge sign of concession to their power. The simile “the big boss in Washington can count on us as surely as possible when the sun returns” shows the amount of confidence Seattle is hoping for. For the most part, it is evident that white men firmly believe that the sun will rise every day without ceasing, and will always return to brighten the day... middle of paper... one last fear, to change the light, airy tone , comparative, fraternal in one of fear, fear and anticipation. “Let me be just and deal kindly with my people, for the dead are not helpless.” This quote is the final line of the oration; sums up the intent beautifully using diction to its advantage. It's the final warning, the final threat to say that all they wanted was respect and kindness, the constant concession throughout the piece was deliberate in making the audience believe that these people were weak and helpless, but the last line is a clear statement of ethics. and power.