Question

and now we knew, we learned, we discovered that the pentagon knew, the state department knew. and the illustrious occupant of the white house then, who was a great leader — and i say it with some anguish and pain, because, today is exactly 54 years marking his death — franklin delano roosevelt died on april the 12th, 1945. so he is very much present to me and to us. no doubt, he was a great leader. he mobilized the american people and the world, going into battle, bringing hundreds and thousands of valiant and brave soldiers in america to fight fascism, to fight dictatorship, to fight hitler. and so many of the young people fell in battle. and, nevertheless, his image in jewish history — i must say it — his image in jewish history is flawed.

—elie wiesel, the perils of indifference, 1999

why does wiesel spend time during his speech complimenting franklin d. roosevelt?

a. to show his appreciation at being invited to speak at the white house
b. to show that he understands why roosevelt refused to help him
c. to soften his later attacks that the united states was indifferent to the suffering of the jews
d. to thank the brave soldiers who freed him from the concentration camps

Explanation:

Wiesel first acknowledges Roosevelt's leadership in fighting fascism to establish credibility and a balanced perspective. This makes his subsequent criticism of Roosevelt's (and the U.S.'s) inaction toward Jewish suffering more impactful and less one-sided, as he frames it as a flaw in an otherwise great leader. Option A is incorrect because the speech's focus is not on gratitude for the invitation. Option B is wrong, as Wiesel does not express understanding of Roosevelt's refusal to help. Option D is incorrect, as the compliment is not directed at thanking soldiers.

Answer:

C. To soften his later attacks that the United States was indifferent to the suffering of the Jews