Summative Retake Elie Wiesel Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech
1) PART A: Which of the following identifies the central idea of the
speech?
A. Memory of past injustices motivate the work of most leaders.
B. The victims of unjust treatment must be honored and respected.
C. Never remain silent in the face of injustice.
D. Over time, the world has become more just.

C. Never remain silent in the face of injustice.

Explanation:

In his 1986 acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize, Jewish writer Elie Wiesel talks about how the prize is not his own achievement but more of what his ancestors had done. He is merely sharing in the celebration, and that his work will always be to try to provide a voice for those suffering and unable to speak out.

While thanking everyone for giving him the award, he also delves into how the injustices of the world needs more supporters and voices. He remarks "Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." And that is exactly why one must never be indifferent, for indifference is "the most insidious danger of all."

Thus, the central idea of his speech is to never remain silent on the issue of injustice.