Rhetorical Analysis Of Dr. Martin Luther King's I Have A Dream Speech

The author of the “I Have A Dream” speech is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King, known for his work in Civil Rights during the 1960s. In this informative speech, Dr. King inspires individuals to have a change in both white and black citizens during the Civil RIghts era in the United States. Moreover, the premise of the speech is that both sides of the discussion must accept change in a non-violent yet effective way. He spoke about the injustices of segregation and discrimination of black citizens that was occurring in our nation. As he opened, “I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation,” he explained what he was there to do for all citizens. He is

speaking out for freedom, demonstrating the freedom our nation was built upon. Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech would provoke a change in the minds and hearts of Americans. With the use of his inspiring words and projected voice, he provides proof to all Americans that racism and segregation is not what America is set to be.
The genre of this work is somewhat narrative and argumentative. The speech conveys many personal thoughts and experiences of the author. There is a strong position taken against the crimes of “white” citizens and the nation as a whole. The word choice is comparable to other political speeches such as John F. Kennedy’s “Inaugural Address.” The images present in the speech resembles a Sunday church sermon. The tone is both informative and argumentative, giving a descriptive feedback. The imagery is very dark, and the ideas are very sincere, making this speech a remarkable component. Individuals can picture themselves in front of the informative Dr. King., presenting ideas that influences their opinions about segregation as a whole. Picture citizens gathering around the podium as they look up at one the nation's greatest leaders in America. The outside conditions seemed very narrow and crowded with people clapping and cheering as Dr. King distributes his speech. People crowding others just to watch him inspire and motivate to seek a change that America desperately needs. and everyone had to gather around the flickering black and white television in the living room. His techniques, such as bible, caused an emotional response. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together,” (Isaiah) He is using the bible to provide a belief and faith in what he is saying is truth, and that all people will stand together. His use of metaphors throughout his speech is keeps his audience engaged in his fight for freedom, he states “And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.” He uses the American dream to appeal to all Americans. He is saying that his dream is part of the American dream that we all deserve to have the freedom to dream.
My first impression of this essay was thinking of the American Dream of being wealthy, having lots of money.

I thought owning expensive cars, multiple houses, and dining at 5 star restaurants in the city were all part of the American dream, but I was wrong. The American Dream is an opportunity for each person to achieve personal fulfillment through success. I enjoyed this powerful speech because he described his vivid dreams in which blacks and whites are able to live together in harmony and peace. Just like the audience, I was deeply touched by these images, and we could all imagine what a new and joyous we should live in society today. King successfully achieved his emotive purpose through these words, and bonded with the hearts of his audience. Dr. King inspired me to help others and try to make a difference in my community and in the world. I would like to listen and watch other speeches by Dr. King because he made the world realize that "all men are created equal." King had hoped, a strong effect on national opinion and resulted in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, authorizing the federal government to enforce desegregation of public accommodations and outlawing discrimination in publicly owned facilities, as well as in the workforce. That eventful year was climaxed by the award to King of the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo. Martin Luther King’s skillful use of rhetoric in his “I have a Dream” speech was a major turning point in American history and represented

a firm stand for equal rights. He spoke out to confront the issues of racism in our nation. This speech was not the beginning or the ending, but a memorable event in the fight for equal rights of everyone. I would give this speech an “A” because he successfully argued his opinion about segregation and discrimination. He is very commanding of his wording, making King an accomplished civil rights leader. It played a major step into changing it, influencing a generation of black citizens to never give up. By recommending this speech to other peers, it demonstrates how it was challenging to receive equal rights and justice that should of been placed initially. The movement that King led won many battles to overcome their is hope in America. Additionally, it made white Americans feel ashamed of their wrongful way, forging a new start for society. Even now, it continues to make generations of people to give up their racist beliefs and advocate social colorblindness.