Introduction to Ender's Complexities

When selecting a passage for an oral interpretation speech, it's essential to choose a section that engages your audience and highlights the emotional and psychological depth of the character. One such compelling and impactful passage comes from 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. In this essay, we will explore how this passage can be effectively interpreted, discuss the context of the scene, and provide some guidance for orators.

An In-Depth Analysis of the Passage

The specific excerpt we will explore comes from the first book of the 'Ender's Game' series. Ender is a character deeply affected by the choices he makes and the role he is forced to play. Here’s the section in question:

Ender awoke when they shook him. It took a moment to recognize them. Graff and [Mazer] Rackham. He turned his back on them. Let me sleep.

"Ender we need to talk to you" said Graff.

Ender rolled back to face them.

"They’ve been playing out the videos on Earth all day all night since the battle yesterday."

"Yesterday" He had slept through until the next day.

You’re a hero Ender. They’ve seen what you did you and the others. I don’t think there’s a government on Earth that hasn’t voted you their highest medal."

"I killed them all didn’t I" Ender asked.

“All who” asked Graff. “The buggers That was the idea."

Mazer leaned in close. "That’s what the war was for."

All their queens. So I killed all their children all of everything."

"They decided that when they attacked us. It wasn’t your fault. It’s what had to happen."

Ender grabbed Mazer’s uniform and hung onto it pulling him down so they were face to face. “I didn’t want to kill them all. I didn’t want to kill anybody! I’m not a killer! You didn’t want me you bastards you wanted Peter but you made me do it you tricked me into it!” He was crying. He was out of control.

"Of course we tricked you into it. That’s the whole point" said Graff. “It had to be a trick or you couldn’t have done it. It’s the bind we were in. We had to have a commander with so much empathy that he would think like the buggers understand them and anticipate them. So much compassion that he could win the love of his underlings and work with them like a perfect machine as perfect as the buggers. But somebody with that much compassion could never be the killer we needed. Could never go into battle willing to win at all costs. If you knew you couldn’t do it. If you were the kind of person who would do it even if you knew you could never have understood the buggers well enough."

“And it had to be a child Ender” said Mazer. “You were faster than me. Better than me. I was too old and cautious. Any decent person who knows what warfare is can never go into battle with a whole heart. But you didn’t know. We made sure you didn’t know. You were reckless and brilliant and young. It’s what you were born for."

“We had pilots with our ships didn’t we.”

“Yes.”

“I was ordering pilots to go in and die and I didn’t even know it.”

“They knew it Ender and they went anyway. They knew what it was for."

“You never asked me! You never told me the truth about anything!”

“You had to be a weapon Ender. Like a gun like the Little Doctor functioning perfectly but not knowing what you were aimed at. We aimed you. We’re responsible. If there was something wrong we did it."

“Tell me later” Ender said. His eyes closed.

Mazer Rackham shook him. “Don’t go to sleep Ender” he said. “It’s very important.”

You’re finished with me” Ender said. “Now leave me alone."

Interpreting the Passage

This passage is rich with emotional and moral complexity. It captures Ender's struggle with the guilt and confusion arising from his actions in the war against the alien buggers. The scene highlights several key themes:

Conflicting Emotions: Ender is struggling with his identity as a leader and a killer. His anger, sadness, and self-doubt are evident as he questions his role and the actions taken. Theoretical vs. Practical Warfare: Ender grapples with the moral implications of his actions in the war, recognizing the immense grief he caused and the mechanized approach to conflict. Trust and Deception: Ender criticizes the adults, accusing them of deception and manipulation, which serves to highlight the ethical issues at the heart of the war.

Guidelines for Oral Interpretation

To effectively deliver the passage, it's crucial to focus on the emotions and the narrative tension. Here are some tips to help you prepare your speech:

Emote Strongly: The tone and inflection should be intense, reflecting Ender's emotional state. Use variations in volume and pace to convey his frustration and distress. Understand the Context: Be familiar with the broader narrative of 'Ender's Game' to better understand the significance of Ender's changes and the implications of his actions. Confidential Clarity: Make sure any potentially confusing parts, such as the name 'Mazer Rackham', are clarified ahead of time. You might mention that Mazer and Rackham are the same person or just use Mazer. Reserve Phrases: Leave room to emphasize certain phrases, such as 'I didn’t want to kill anybody!', or 'You never asked me!', to underscore Ender's anger and distress. Engage Your Audience: Trust your listeners to draw their own conclusions from the passage. Don't lecture but allow the passage to speak for itself. Feel the Moment: Try to make the scene feel as real as possible by ensuring your performance is raw and authentic.

Conclusion

The passage we've analyzed offers a rich context for an oral interpretation. It is a powerful moment that explores the emotional and ethical struggles of a character caught in a complex conflict. By delivering this passage with passion and authenticity, you can engage your audience and highlight the profound themes of 'Ender's Game'.