Introduction

Learn about the brief but eloquent and heartrending surrender speech of Chief Joseph and learn 10 new words in context in this new Word Power episode from English Plus Podcast.


Audio Podcast


The Surrender Speech of Chief Joseph

It has been called the outstanding example of Native American oratory. Its simplicity and expressiveness stand in sharp contrast to the harangues so commonly delivered by orators of the late nineteenth century.

Chief Joseph had led hundreds of Nez Perce men, women, and children on a 1,500-mile trek over mountains and rivers in the winter of 1877. Driven from their home along the Snake River, these native inhabitants of present-day Idaho and Oregon sought the safety of Canada. However, just a few miles from the Canadian border, the Nez Perce were attacked by United States troops led by General Nelson Appleton Miles.

Facing the total annihilation of his sick and exhausted people, Chief Joseph accepted the promise of General Miles that the Nez Perce would be returned to their home if they surrendered. Chief Joseph spoke the following words to his people:

I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed. Looking Glass is dead. The old men are all dead.

It is the young men who say no and yes. He who led the young men is dead. It is cold and we have no blankets. The little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them have run away to the hills and have no blankets—no food. No one knows where they are—perhaps they are freezing to death.

I want to have time to look for my children and see how many of them I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my chiefs, I am tired, my heart is sad and sick. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.

This brief but eloquent speech by Chief Joseph is considered one of the most moving and memorable in American literature. In a few sincere and moving sentences, it succinctly expressed the suffering and anguish of the Native American and the ferocity of war.

In the end, General Miles’s promise was only a ruse. Chief Joseph and the surviving Nez Perce were not allowed to return. Until his death in 1904, Chief Joseph petitioned the U.S. government repeatedly to allow the Nez Perce to return to their ancestral home, but his pleas were met with indifference. The Nez Perce never saw their home again.


Unlock Keywords

Choose the best answer.

A harangue in "Its simplicity and expressiveness stand in sharp contrast to the harangues so commonly delivered by orators of the late nineteenth century." can be best described as ______.

A trek in "Chief Joseph had led hundreds of Nez Perce men, women, and children on a 1,500-mile trek over mountains and rivers in the winter of 1877. " is a(n) _______.

Which word could best replace annihilation in "Facing the total annihilation of his sick and exhausted people, Chief Joseph accepted..."?

Which word could best replace eloquent in "This brief but eloquent speech by Chief Joseph is considered one of the most moving and memorable in American literature."?

A succinct speech is one that is ______.

Which word or words could best replace anguish in "In a few sincere and moving sentences, it succinctly expressed the suffering and anguish of the Native American and the ferocity of war."?

Which word could best replace ferocity in "In a few sincere and moving sentences, it succinctly expressed the suffering and anguish of the Native American and the ferocity of war."?

Which word or words could best replace ruse in "In the end, General Miles's promise was only a ruse. Chief Joseph and the surviving Nez Perce were not allowed to return. "?

Which word or words could best replace petitioned in "Until his death in 1904, Chief Joseph petitioned the U.S. government repeatedly..."?

Which word or words could best replace indiffirence in "Until his death in 1904, Chief Joseph petitioned the U.S. government repeatedly to allow the Nez Perce to return to their ancestral home, but his pleas were met with indifference."?


Interactive Activities

Flashcards


Learning


Matching


Spelling


Test


Crossword Puzzle


PDF Practice Worksheet

You can find the premium PDF worksheet on Patreon.

Become a patron today and enjoy all premium episodes, series and other exclusive benefits.

Become a patron at Patreon!

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

<a href="https://englishpluspodcast.com/author/dannyballanowner/" target="_self">English Plus</a>

English Plus

Author

English Plus Podcast is dedicated to bring you the most interesting, engaging and informative daily dose of English and knowledge. So, if you want to take your English and knowledge to the next level, look no further. Our dedicated content creation team has got you covered!

You may also Like

Three Laws That Must Be Obeyed | Word Power

Three Laws That Must Be Obeyed | Word Power

In this episode, we explore the meaning and usage of ten interesting keywords from a text about Sir Isaac Newton’s laws of motion. We discuss words like “apocryphal,” “behemoth,” “brevity,” “dally,” “depreciate,” “paraphrase,” “reinforce,” “relatively,” “respite,” and “svelte,” and share their definitions and common usage. Join us as we deepen our understanding of these words and learn how to use them effectively in our everyday conversations and writing. Don’t forget to follow our podcast on your favorite platform, share it with others, and leave us a rating and review to help us reach more listeners!

read more
Learning the Ropes | Word Power

Learning the Ropes | Word Power

In this Word Power episode – Learning the Ropes, we discuss 10 commonly used English keywords, including Gothic, impregnable, riven, insularity, elite, reverence, mystique, exhort, sundry, and primal. We define each of these words and explore how they can be used in different contexts. Plus, we offer tips for practicing these words to help expand your vocabulary.

read more
Stick Style | Word Power

Stick Style | Word Power

In this episode of Word Power, we explore the unique architectural style of the Great Camps in the Adirondack Mountains, and learn 10 new vocabulary words that will help you describe and appreciate this historic design. From the rustic charm of the buildings, to the prepossessing interiors filled with luxurious accoutrements, to the patina that has developed over time, we delve into the fascinating world of the Adirondack Great Camps. Along the way, we learn the meaning and usage of 10 new vocabulary words, including redolent, romantic, fastidious, and prototype. Plus, we provide exercises and resources to help you practice and retain these words in your own vocabulary. Don’t miss this engaging and informative episode of Word Power!

read more

Recent Posts

Categories

Follow Us

Pin It on Pinterest