Part 4: Précis
James Estrin’s purpose is to expose the Rwandan Genocide and educate his audience on this event. He builds up his credibility by interviewing James Estrin, someone who actually went to Rwanda and witnessed the terrible events. Estrin wants readers to fully understand what is happening in this third world country. He is educating society on how some people may not necessarily have the same morals or beliefs as you; nevertheless, making the world a scary place to live. Rwandan refugees needed to hide out and live every day in fear, hoping they wouldn’t be taking their last breath that day. In the interview with David Turnley, Estrin proposes questions like, “What did you see and what did you do?” In return, Turnley responds with detailed answers like, “The attacks were being conducted with farm tools and machetes, and everywhere you looked you encountered people who had lost hands, feet, arms, legs, and had been severely cut all over their bodies.” Readers can now fully understand the horrific acts that took place during the genocide and are essentially becoming more aware of their surroundings.
New Summary
In “Witness to History, Searching for Dignity”, James Estrin educates his audience on the Rwandan Genocide and exposes horrific details and outcomes. He utilizes an interview with photographer, David Turnley, to provide useful information on actual occurrences. The vivid descriptions like, “The attacks were being conducted with farm tools and machetes, and everywhere you looked you encountered people who had lost hands, feet, arms, legs, and had been severely cut all over their bodies.” (Estrin 1) As the interview continues, Estrin and Trunley speak about the actual experience. Turnley mentions how it is something out of the ordinary and hoe it can scar you for life. People will live with these memories forever, even himself. The article concludes with a heart warming story, showing readers how a devastated community can come together at the hardest times. The audience can comprehend how a tragedy can sometimes be a goo thing for a community. Illnesses, sorrows, and deaths make people think twice about their lives and truly value what they have.
This assignment can help me create a better summary; nevertheless, understanding the author’s point and purpose much better.