The Raw Fury and Measured Rage: A Look at Connor Kenway's Speech

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Welcome to SSA Philosophy, your premier destination for deep dives into the minds and philosophies of iconic characters from video games, movies, and TV shows. In today's episode, we journey into the turbulent world of Assassin's Creed III to explore the intricate character of Connor Kenway. Join me as we dissect "The Raw Fury and Measured Rage: A Look at Connor Kenway's Speech" and uncover the profound layers of his philosophy. Connor Kenway, the half-Mohawk, half-English Assassin, stands out in the Assassin's Creed series for his unwavering commitment to justice, his deep-seated rage against oppression, and his eloquent, impactful speech. His words, often marked by a blend of raw emotion and calculated reasoning, offer a window into his soul and the complex dynamics of his world. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to SSA Philosophy for more in-depth analyses of your favorite characters. Together, let’s uncover the profound insights and emotional depths embedded in the speech of Connor Kenway.
Link to video: https://youtu.be/2m5UTp7soPc

1. The Philosophy of Connor's
Speech

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3. Connor Kenway’s Speech

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5. This speech, delivered in a poignant
moment of introspection (though
ultimately cut from the final game but
included in Assassin's Creed III, serves
as a powerful culmination of Connor's
internal struggles. It's not a victory
speech, nor a call to arms. It's a
lament, a raw exploration of doubt and
disillusionment that challenges the
very ideals he fought so fiercely to
uphold. By examining the
philosophical threads woven into
Connor's speech, we gain a deeper
understanding of the man behind the
Hidden Blade, and the complexities of
the world he inhabits.

6. The Erosion of Ideals: Connor's initial
belief system is built on unwavering
loyalty to his tribe and a deep respect for
the natural order. He embraces the
Assassin ideals of freedom and justice,
seeing them as the path to a brighter
future for his people. However, the brutal
realities of the Revolution chip away at
these ideals. Witnessing the atrocities
committed by both sides, the
manipulation of the fight for freedom for
personal gain, and the fracturing of the
fragile alliance he meticulously built,
Connor grapples with the question: can
true freedom exist in a world so rife with
corruption and self-interest?

7. Order vs. Freedom: The Templars,
Connor's sworn enemies, represent a
different philosophical extreme. They
believe in a controlled order, a society
guided by a select few who ensure
stability and progress. While Connor
initially rejects this rigid structure, the
chaos and bloodshed of the revolution
force him to confront the potential
pitfalls of unfettered freedom. His
speech ponders whether peace and
order can be achieved without
sacrificing the very freedoms he fights
for.

8. The Cycle of Violence: A central
theme of Connor's journey is the
pervasive nature of violence. Fueled
by vengeance and a desire to right
wrongs, he becomes entangled in a
seemingly endless cycle of bloodshed.
His speech reflects on this dark
reality, questioning whether violence
can ever truly be a path to lasting
peace. Has he simply become
another cog in the machine of
destruction, perpetuating the very
cycle he sought to break?

9. The Legacy of Struggle: Despite
the disillusionment and doubt that
cloud his perspective, Connor's
speech doesn't descend into
despair. He acknowledges the
potential for change, even if the
path forward seems arduous. His
unwavering belief in the potential
for good, even in the face of
overwhelming cynicism, is a
testament to the enduring human
spirit.

10. By delving into these
philosophical themes, Connor's
speech transcends the boundaries
of a video game. It becomes a
meditation on the eternal human
struggle to balance freedom and
order, to build a future where
peace and justice prevail. It
leaves us pondering the nature of
progress and the sacrifices we are
willing to make for a better
tomorrow.

11. The Raw Fury and Measured Rage:
A Look at Connor Kenway's Speech

12. Brutal Honesty vs. Polished
Oratory

13. Connor isn't a politician. He's a warrior raised by nature.
His words are blunt instruments, devoid of flowery
language. They paint a stark picture of betrayal and
broken promises, mirroring the harsh realities of his
world.
In the world of persuasion, Connor sees two dominant
forces: the blunt instrument of brutal honesty and the
gilded cage of polished oratory.

14. Brutal Honesty: This approach values
truth above all else. It's the "rip the
bandaid off" method, delivering the
unvarnished truth, no matter how
harsh. It prioritizes clarity and
directness, believing a clear picture,
even a painful one, is better than a
sugar-coated lie.
Polished Oratory: This approach
focuses on the art of persuasion. It uses
eloquence, storytelling, and emotional
appeals to sway an audience. Facts are
often massaged, dressed up in a way
that's palatable and persuasive, even if
it sacrifices some accuracy.

Connor argues that both approaches have
merit, but neither is perfect. Here's where the
first part of his speech philosophy kicks in:
The Dangers of Brutality: Brutal honesty,
while admirable for its directness, can be
insensitive and destructive. It can alienate an
audience, shutting down communication
before true understanding is reached.
Sometimes, a little tact can go a long way.
The Deceptiveness of Polish: Polished oratory,
on the other hand, can be manipulative and
misleading. It can obscure truth with flowery
language and emotional manipulation.
Without a foundation of honesty, persuasion
becomes a house of cards.
Connor's proposition: There must be a third
way, a path that combines the strengths of
both approaches.

15. Echoes of Mohawk Tradition

16. Connor's upbringing with the Mohawk people shapes his speech.
He uses short, impactful sentences, leaving room for silence to
carry the weight of his message. It's a call to action delivered with
the stoicism of a tribal leader.
The Mohawk, like many indigenous societies, have a rich oral
tradition. Knowledge and history are passed down through
storytelling, songs, and ceremonies. This emphasis on the spoken
word is reflected in Connor's approach to language. He utilizes
speech not just to convey information but also to inspire, persuade,
and forge connections. His words carry the weight of generations,
echoing the wisdom of his ancestors.

17. Harmony and Respect
This part is evident in Connor's speech
patterns. He emphasizes respectful
dialogue, seeking to understand others'
perspectives before presenting his own. His
words aim to bridge divides and foster
harmony, even amidst conflict.
Metaphor and Symbolism
The Mohawk language is rich in metaphors
and symbolism, drawing connections
between the natural world and the human
experience. Connor reflects this tradition in
his use of imagery. He employs metaphors
from nature to illustrate complex ideas and
utilizes symbols significant to his people to
evoke emotions and inspire action.

The Importance of Listening
Mohawk oratory places great value on active
listening. Speakers are expected to carefully
consider the words of others before responding.
This respect for diverse viewpoints translates into
Connor's communication style. He is a patient
listener, actively seeking to understand the
arguments of his opponents before crafting his
responses.
The Weight of Responsibility
Connor's role as a leader within his community
imbues his speech with a profound sense of
responsibility. He understands that his words
carry the weight of his people's hopes and
aspirations. This awareness manifests in his
carefully chosen language, ensuring his
pronouncements are clear, impactful, and serve
the greater good.

18. The Duality of Rage and Control

19. Connor burns with righteous anger. He's lost his
mother, his village, and his trust in those who
promised peace. Yet, beneath the fury lies a well of
control. He doesn't lose himself in the moment. Each
word is a measured blow, aimed at igniting the
flames of rebellion.

20. The Fires of Rage: A Mohawk Legacy
Connor's formative years are steeped in the
Mohawk tradition. The Mohawk people
believe in a balanced relationship with nature
and a strong sense of community. Witnessing
the destruction of his village and the loss of his
mother is a traumatic experience that ignites
an uncontrollable rage within Connor. This
rage manifests in his early speeches, which are
often fiery and vengeful. He rails against the
Templars, vowing to make them pay for their
crimes.
Here, Connor's speech aligns with the Mohawk
warrior spirit. He uses powerful language to
express his anger and inspire others to join his
fight. However, this rage-fueled approach also
carries risks. It can cloud judgment and lead to
rash decisions, as Connor himself discovers
throughout the game.

The Templar Order and the Allure of
Control
As Connor ventures deeper into the
Assassin-Templar conflict, he encounters
the Templar philosophy. The Templars
believe in imposing order on a chaotic
world, even if it requires controlling
humanity through force.
The Templars' emphasis on control
resonates with Connor's own desire to see
justice served. They offer a structured
approach to achieving his goals, which
stands in stark contrast to the emotional
turmoil caused by his rage. This is reflected
in Connor's speeches as he begins to
question his methods. He starts using more
measured language, seeking to understand
the Templars' motives and find a more
strategic way to defeat them.

21. Finding Balance: A New Voice Emerges
Throughout Assassin's Creed III, Connor walks a tightrope between
rage and control. He witnesses the destructive potential of
uncontrolled rage, but also the dangers of blind adherence to order.
As he matures as a character, Connor learns to find a balance
between these two forces.
His speech evolves to reflect this newfound balance. He still expresses
his anger at injustice, but it is tempered by reason and strategic
thinking. He uses his Mohawk heritage to guide his actions while
acknowledging the value of strategic planning advocated by the
Templars. Connor's voice becomes a powerful tool for uniting people
and inspiring them to fight for a just cause, not through blind rage,
but through focused action.

22. A Call to Unify, Not Divide

23. Despite his anger towards the colonists,
Connor's message isn't solely about
revenge. He reminds not only Native
Americans, but people from all
cultures, that they are not alone.

24. Unity Through Shared Identity: Connor,
born of a Mohawk mother and a Templar
father, embodies the cultural clashes of the
era. He recognizes the importance of
transcending tribal affiliations and forging
a common ground based on shared
humanity and revolutionary ideals. His
speech often emphasizes the colonists' fight
for a common cause – liberty and freedom
– that transcends individual backgrounds.
Rhetoric as a Weapon: Connor
understands the power of words to shape
perceptions and mobilize action. His
speeches are strategically crafted,
employing historical references, emotional
appeals, and calls to action. He targets not
just the colonists' minds but also their
sense of purpose and collective identity.

Language as a Bridge: Living between
two cultures, Connor is adept at
navigating the nuances of language. He
tailors his message to resonate with
diverse audiences, employing Mohawk
phrases and symbols to connect with his
Native American allies, while framing his
arguments within the colonists'
revolutionary ideology.

25. A Speech Carved in Blood

26. Imagine the speech etched not on paper,
but on the bark of a war-scarred tree.
Each word carries the weight of violence
and loss. It's a visceral reminder of the
ongoing struggle and the sacrifices made.

27. A Different Path
Connor's approach stands in stark contrast
to the Assassins' traditional methods. Their
creed emphasizes discretion and the
elimination of targets. Connor, however,
recognizes the limitations of such tactics. He
sees the potential for systemic change
through inspiring the masses.
The Price of Conviction
Connor's unwavering faith in the power of
words comes at a cost. He is often seen as
naive by his peers. His idealism clashes with
the pragmatic ruthlessness of the Assassins.
In the face of colonial elitism and Templar
manipulation, his speeches can seem like
thunder without rain.

A Legacy of Echoes
Yet, Connor's voice continues to
resonate. He plants seeds of doubt
in the minds of the colonists. He
awakens a thirst for freedom
amongst the Mohawk and enslaved
people. Even if his dream of a truly
equitable America remains
unrealized, his words leave an
undeniable mark.

28. Conclusion

29. Connor's speech isn't a
masterpiece of oratory. It's a
raw, powerful expression of
grief, anger, and a burning
desire for justice. It's a
testament to the creative
choice to portray a hero who
speaks not just with words,
but with the scars of his past.

30. The Shattered Ideal: Connor begins by
acknowledging the hypocrisy he
witnessed. The colonists, who spoke of
liberty, readily oppressed the Native
Americans. This shatters his initial faith
in the revolution's ideals. He recognizes
that freedom isn't a universal gift, but a
privilege some are willing to deny others.
The Burden of Vengeance: Driven by
vengeance for his mother's death,
Connor embraced violence as a solution.
Yet, as the bodies pile up, he realizes the
hollowness of this path. His quest for
justice has become a cycle of bloodshed,
mirroring the very forces he sought to
oppose.

31. The Price of Liberty: Connor
acknowledges the sacrifices made for
freedom. The colonists fought and
died, a testament to the human spirit's
yearning for self-determination. He
recognizes that liberty, though flawed,
is still a precious ideal worth striving
for.
A Call for Unity: Despite his
disillusionment, Connor doesn't reject
freedom entirely. He urges coexistence
and understanding between the
colonists and the Native Americans.
True freedom, he suggests, can only
exist when all are treated with respect.

32. The Path Forward: Connor's speech is a
call to action. It compels us to question
the cost of freedom and ensure it isn't
built on the subjugation of others. He
advocates for a future where freedom
extends to all, a future built on unity and
respect, not violence and oppression.
A Legacy of Reflection: Connor's
journey serves as a cautionary tale. It
reminds us that freedom is a constant
struggle, an ideal that must be
continuously re-examined and protected.
His words resonate, urging us to strive
for a more just and equitable world,
acknowledging the past's mistakes to
build a better future.