Analysis of Primary Source (Patrice Lumumba’s Speech & Letter to his Wife Pauline)

What is the intended audience for the letter?

• I feel as if the intended audience for this letter was Patrice Lumumba’s lover perhaps, maybe his wife or someone hasn’t known for too long. But I have no doubt that it is intended for somehow that he has lots of love for and even longs for.

·  Does the intended audience influences how Patrice Lumumba wrote this letter?

• Patrice seemed to be very confident yet loving throughout this letter. I feel as if he was writing this letter to anyone other than a loved one, he might’ve been a bit more stern with his words or even his attitude. However, because he was writing to someone he has a soft spot for he came off very progressive oppose to being radical.

·  Does Lumumba’s background impact what he says and how he says it?

• Given the situations that he has gone through such as colonization, his background definitely impacts what he says and how he says it. Because Patrice has already been through colonization, he comes off as if he will do everything in his power to prevent it from happening again. Therefore his choice of words portrays his certainty.

·  How does Lumumba convey emotions in the letter?

• His emotions show that he has such high hopes for his people. He states “… I know that my country, now suffering so much, ‘will be able to defend its independence and its freedom.”  Patrice even shows the confidence that he has in the future for Congo furthermore this conveys his passion for his people.

·  What message is he communicating in the letter?

• The message he is communicating is that although he may never see his family and his people again, that they should continue to fight for their freedom and stay strong because he knows that in the end everything will work out in favor of the Congolese people.

·  Is the author arguing against anyone or anything in the letter?

• He is arguing against the colonizers of Congo

·  Are there any specific facts or details the author wants us to know?

• Patrice makes it evident that what he is doing is good, and the reason that he is not able to be with his family and loved ones is not because he is doing anything malicious, although that might be what the colonizers wanted everyone to think, but he is ultimately fighting for the freedom for him and his people.

·  What historical questions or issues does this letter raise?

• While reading this letter, a historical issue that came to mind was whether or not Patrice died or ever got to see his family again.