Rhetorical Analysis: “I have a Dream”

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King’s “I have a dream” speech was delivered on August 28, 1963. He speaks against injustice towards the African Americans in America. He argues against the unfair treatment being given to the Negro community. Thousands of black and white Americans were present at the Lincoln Memorial where he delivered the great speech. King’s focus was on equality and non-discrimination in the nation. King stood as a mentor for the African Americans and encouraged the Negro community. King opens up by recognizing those joining him in the quest for the greatest freedom. He states that the emancipation proclamation brought forth light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. He expressed how good it was to feel to end the captivity of the Negros but seems after a long period of time, they are still not free from bondage. He follows up using a phrase “we have come to our nation’s capital to cash a check”. He means that the past historical documents served as the bank which is supposedly to be cashed by everyone, all Americans to be precise both black and white. He throws more light in when he mentioned that the Declaration of Independence by Jefferson paved way for the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness in which all Americans are to enjoy but has been limited; African Americans are not given these rights to enjoy which brought about segregation. He laments on the state of the Negro community which ought to have been freed about one hundred years ago. He particularly uses the historical document which became of America’s freedom today to talk to the Americans and indirectly asking why freedom was not granted to the blacks. King approaches his speech with a fair and non... ... middle of paper ... ...rd, they will be able to transform a discord nation to a symphony of brotherhood”. He means that with Faith being applied, collectively, they would change the nation for the better and for good. Another example of logos is when ‘When America compared Negros to a bad check’. He furthers explain that when the Americans defaulted in giving the blacks freedom and rights. Martin Luther King changes everything around after delivering this great speech. He makes it clear to the African Americans that there is still hope and all Faith is not lost. He rebuked the ills of the American nation and and stood for Justice and equality amongst all. King uses a lot of effect in his speech. He uses Anaphora which is the continuous repetition of words. Examples of instances: “I have a Dream”, he uses that phrase more in his speech. He also uses the word “Now” and “We” in his speech.

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