Marin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most influential civil rights leaders in America’s history. Through his ministry he encouraged nonviolent protests in support of desegregation. However, much of the progress made in the civil rights movement would not have been possible if not for white supporters who were able to vote for and introduce legislation in favor of social equality. King understood the need for unity in the civil rights movement and used his opportunity speaking in Washington to obtain it. In Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, legendary “I have a dream speech” his use of allusions, antithesis, and repetition serve to unite the American public. Throughout his speech King alludes to very well-known patriotic symbols, such as the Gettysburg …show more content…
address, declaration of independence, and patriotic songs, in an effort to make the audience view themselves as Americans, rather than blacks and whites. One of the very first things he does is pay homage to Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, via the words “five score years ago.” Lincoln is one of the most revered presidents for his part in freeing the slaves of the confederate south. By aligning himself with a (white) American hero that also fought for African American rights, king lessens the significant divide between white politicians and black civil rights leaders. Kings then includes several quotations from the declaration of independence and the constitution. Throughout history these two documents have served as the backbone of American democracy and serve as the basis for almost all legislation. King stresses the equality mentioned in the documents and the fact that it encompasses all men. King finishes his speech with a rendition of “my country tis of thee” including not just lyrics from the original song, but adding many additional places around the United States. Through including many different locations King shows his audience that social equality is concept that applies to the United States of America as whole rather than individual state rights. Via kings use of symbols in the Gettysburg address, declaration of independence and my country tis of thee, that are representative of the United States he unites his audience as Americans rather than separating them by their races. Another literary device king uses to unite his audience is antithesis; here he introduces several opposite concepts that generally have very positive or negative connotations.
Negative words are typically introduced first and transformed by king into the possible, positive change. Structuring opposite ideas this way, king can inspire his audience to look past the negative present, to the possible future. One of the most powerful examples of this antithesis comes in the form of two metaphors when king compares racial injustice to a “sweltering heat” and freedom to an “oasis.” Not only is very strong language used here, but the ideas are in such stark contrast that Kings can convey the severity of African Americans’ current situation. Another example of antithesis used in “I have a dream” occurs when King refers to the civil rights movement as a beginning, rather than an end. As a result, white audience members will feel more inclined to join the civil rights movement as this quote shows that desegregation will not be the ruin of white society. At first, many whites were reluctant to encourage change, but king assures them it will be only for the betterment of society. By using antithesis king can move his audience from a negative viewpoint, to a more positive
one. Finally, King’s use of repeated phrases serves to drive home two important concepts that the audience musty believe in, the American dream and the idea of freedom. The second most repeated phrase, and the title given to this influential speech, is “I Have a Dream,” America has long represented the idea of new beginnings, and the concept of the American dream resonates with anyone living in the self-described land of possibility. Through using the phrase, “I have a dream,” repeatedly King outlines exactly how he envisions a unified America to look, and assures his white listeners that change is for the best. Then King includes the word “freedom’ several times in the remainder of his speech. Freedom is one of the most important concepts to Americans as it is considered to be the foundation of their country. The repetition of this concept affects the listener by filling them with patriotic spirit and inspiring the to fight for equality as one. Once again, by repeating two concepts that his audience holds close to their hearts, the American dream and freedom, King inspires his audience to work together as one and inspires them to make the change necessary for all men to be free. As a result of martin Luther king, jr.’s, “I have a dream” speech, Americans were inspired to work together as one in order to solve the problems of social in justice. Through Kings use of patriotic symbols, his audience experienced a sense of nationalism and began to see themselves as all being American. At the same time, king’s use of antithesis allowed his audience to see social change as an all-around positive idea, rather than a negative idea. Finallt, by repeating several concepts representative of American identity throughout his speech, king further unifies two groups who presently have nothing to do with each other, into a collective ready for social change.
After 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln gave African American slaves their freedom in society they were still not treated as equals. In August 28, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C Martin Luther King Jr. gave the speech “I Have a Dream” that impacted the nation. The twenty-six-year-old pastor of the city's Dexter Avenue Baptist Church had to show the grievances of his people, justify their refusal to ride on Montgomery's city busses, and encourage them in peaceful way. In the “I have a dream” speech given by Dr. King he uses persuasive appeals to fight for the civil right movements in the most civilized way. To do this he had to convince African Americans that his way of going with things was in their best interests, and he had to convince white Americans that his vision was not going to change their heritage and in their best interests as well.
In a period of time where few were willing to listen, Martin Luther King, Jr. stood proudly, gathered and held the attention of over 200,000 people. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech was very effective and motivational for African Americans in 1963. Many factors affected Kings’ speech in a very positive manner; the great emotion behind the words, delivering the speech on the steps of the memorial of the President who defeated slavery. And not only was this message beautifully written for the hope of African Americans, but the underlying message for white people, revolution and peace. To stimulate emotion from both parties of his listeners, King used a selection of rhetorical devices such as allusions to historical documents, metaphors, similes, anaphoras and others.
Martin Luther King’s speech was made after the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. He delivered the “I Have a dream” speech on the Lincoln Memorial steps. He verbalized this speech to millions of people blacks and whites. This is one of the greatest speeches because it has many elements like repetition, assonance and consonance, pathos, logos, and ethos.
Dr. King is an emotional, inspiring and strong speaker. His " I Have A Dream" speech tugs a deep root war of emotions in every American’s heart; therefore, this speech is the perfect display of pathos. Even though pathos overwhelm logo and ethos, they also very much present in his speech.
Martin Luther King Jr’s most compelling point was that every person has the same rights
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
One of the most influential speeches ever given on the earth was given on a potiumat the Lincoln Momorial in Washington D.C on August 28th 1963. The great speech was given by Martin Luther King Jr. who deciatied his time on earth to prove that all people are equal. Martin Luther used different parts of the English language to enhance the meaning of his speech and bring out the details. The different rhetorical devices, allusions to historic documents, and metaphors seemed to have brought about the emotions that King was trying to arouse in his listeners. This helped him influence his listeners towards wanting equality for all and changing what was happening in the present so they didn't repeat things in the past .
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the leader of the civil rights movement in the 1960’s. His speech, entitled “I Have a Dream” was given in front of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. Dr. King used his speech as a rally for people, blacks and whites alike, who desired equality and social justice, but there is so much more to it than what appears on the surface. Dr. King employs a number of stylistic techniques, all of which serving a purpose too subtle for the naked eye to pick up. Dr. King uses the stylistic techniques of word choice, metaphors, and repetition to fuel hope and bring about change.
Martin Luther King Jr. have dreams of the nation they are trying to form. These instances of envisioning are prevalent in March and are often touching. Dr. King in the text makes an bold statement that demonstrates to the reader why great leaders in this time period in history made a great change in our nation. While talking to Robert Kennedy regarding the unlawful arrest of African Americans in Jackson Mississippi, King speaks to him about why they must continue protesting. King implores, “I’m deeply appreciative of what the administration is doing. I see a ray of hope, but I am different from my father. I feel the need of being free now.” (Lewis and Aydin 96). Martin Luther King not only speaks in terms of a dream when he uses the words ‘ray of hope’, but when he says that he ‘feels the need of being free now’, he envisions a world that could be different. A world contradicting the racism and hate that those of African descent have experienced since the beginning of American history. Though this isn’t Martin’s famous ‘I have a dream speech’, it is evident that he has had a dream and a plan to fulfill it long before the speech that America will remember for the rest of its history. John Lewis had the pleasure of working with Dr. King and sharing his values in the text. John Lewis also has dreams of what America could become—John sees excellent value in the potential of individuals to change America. After Robert Kennedy pulls him aside to reverence the change that has occurred in him being ‘woke’, John explains why People like Kennedy make his dream for America come true. John speaks, “It showed me something about Robert Kennedy that I came to respect: even though he could be a little rough—ruthless, some would say—he was willing to learn, to grow, and to change.” (Lewis and Aydin 152). John has dedicated his life to this movement—giving up an education and other possible opportunities to address injustices among his brothers. In the text, the
From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial more than two score years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King electrified America with his momentous "I Have a Dream" speech. Aimed at the entire nation, King’s main purpose in this speech was to convince his audience to demand racial justice towards the mistreated African Americans and to stand up together for the rights afforded to all under the Constitution. To further convey this purpose more effectively, King cleverly makes use of the rhetorical devices — ethos, pathos and logos — using figurative language such as metaphors and repetition as well as various other techniques e.g. organization, parallel construction and choice of title.
On August 28th, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a speech to more than 200,000 people during the March on Washington. King's speech was one of the most influential during the era of the Civil Rights Movement and is to this day recognized as a masterpiece due to its effect on the audience as well as for its eloquence and language. Many components went into this passionate speech that portrayed King's hopes for racial equality and a brighter future made the speech as moving as it was. It is doubtful that any person can guess that this speech was written without forethought regarding what goals King wished to accomplish in this speech. Martin Luther King Jr.'s eloquent language was perfectly suited to his audience, both his immediate and secondary audience, and his carefully chosen diction helped to shape arguable one of the most touching works ever spoken.
In a time of time where few were willing to tune in, Martin Luther King, Jr. stood gladly, assembled and held the consideration of more than 200,000 individuals. Martin Luther King, Jr 's. "I Have a Dream" discourse was extremely compelling and motivational for African Americans in 1963. Numerous variables influenced Kings ' discourse in an extremely positive way; the immense feeling behind the words, conveying the discourse on the progressions of the commemoration of the President who vanquished subjection. What 's more, not just was this message perfectly written in the trust of African Americans, yet the hidden message for white individuals, unrest and peace. To empower feeling from both sides of his audience members, King utilized a determination
In Martin Luther King Jr’s legendary speech, “I have a dream,” Dr. King addresses his desire and hopes to eliminate racism and spread equality throughout America. Throughout his speech, Dr.King uses various literary techniques in order to get across his message and persuade his audience of both blacks and whites. Dr. King’s introduction begins with a slow pace, placing emphasis on each word. The slow pace approach, allows the audience to fully grasp MLK’s belief that his speech “will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.” In his speech, Dr.King also incorporates the three rhetorical appeals: logos, pathos, and ethos. The beginning of the second paragraph, “five score years ago,” demonstrates
A little over 50 years ago, black people were segregated from white people in the United States. Many people of both races were unhappy and in disgust with this treatment of the African Americans. One man stood up to write a moving, groundbreaking, powerful speech about how black men deserve everything white men do, according to the founding documents. Martin Luther King Jr. tells his audience of 250,000 that they need to take immediate action against this injustice against mankind. This speech was “I Have a Dream”. The speech leaves a meaningful imprint on its audience through the way King uses strong diction and urgent organization. He paints a picture in the reader and listener’s mind through his use of figures of speech.
On January 15, 1929 a leader was born. The African American representative Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Best known for his “I Have A Dream” speech, was born in Atlanta, Georgia. The great pacifist was one of the most influential African Americans of the 1950s Civil Rights Movement. He was a role model for the Negro Community. He was very well respected due to his style of fighting.