Analyzing Tolerance and Freedom Style | Generated by AI
Question: Translate the previous discussion (including the question about 《容忍与自由》 and its explanation) into English.
Answer:
Here is the full previous discussion translated into clear, natural English:
Original multiple-choice question (translated):
One of the writing characteristics of Tolerance and Freedom is:
A. Drawing on a wide range of citations and allusions, turning every reference into something interesting and engaging
B. Using analogies and vivid metaphors to make the reasoning clear and penetrating
C. Starting from personal experience, which creates strong approachability and relatability
D. Using second-person address, giving it a warm and intimate feel
Correct answer: C
Your answer: A
Error correction / Detailed explanation:
The essay Tolerance and Freedom (originally a speech delivered by Hu Shih in 1959 at the 10th anniversary celebration of the magazine Free China in Taiwan, later transcribed into article form) has one of its most prominent writing features as starting from personal experience, making it highly approachable and relatable.
In the opening of the piece, Hu Shih does not launch directly into grand theories or adopt a superior lecturing tone. Instead, he candidly recounts a real episode from his youth: how, because he could not tolerate differing opinions, he got into a heated argument with friends. He openly reflects on and criticizes his own past intolerance, using this personal story as the entry point to gradually develop his thoughts on the relationship between “tolerance” and “freedom”.
This “teaching by personal example” approach produces several powerful effects:
- It lowers the author’s stance and greatly shortens the psychological distance between writer and reader
- It transforms the abstract concepts of “tolerance” and “freedom” into something concrete, tangible, and emotionally warm
- By honestly critiquing himself, it demonstrates sincerity and humility, greatly increasing the persuasiveness and emotional impact of the text
By comparison:
- A (Broad citations, making every reference interesting): Hu Shih’s writings often do draw on extensive references, but this particular speech/article is deliberately written in a plain, conversational style. There are not an especially large number of allusions or quotations, and this is not the most striking feature here.
- B (Using analogies and metaphors to make reasoning vivid and thorough): While the piece is engaging, it does not rely heavily on elaborate metaphors. The main force of persuasion comes from honest self-reflection and logical progression rather than rich figurative language.
- D (Using second-person address for intimacy): The entire text is written mostly in the first person (“I”) and third-person narration. It does not frequently use direct second-person “you” to address the reader.
Therefore, the option that most accurately captures the key writing characteristic that makes this piece so moving and approachable is C: Starting from personal experience, highly relatable and warm.
References:
- None (analysis based directly on the content of Hu Shih’s Tolerance and Freedom)