Rhetorical Analysis Of Martin Luther King's Speech

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A man known for his leadership during the civil rights movement and is considered to be one of the greatest influences for African American’s rights, Martin Luther King Jr., in his speech, “I Have a Dream,” opposes inequality. King’s purpose is to endorse equality for all mankind. He forms a determined tone to gain support from many to fulfill his dream. During his speech, he includes repetition, allusions, strong language, and metaphors. King begins his speech by expressing his delight for his large audience. He later mentions “…millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice (M. L. Jr.).” Slavery is referred to being just as harsh as segregation and discrimination. The metaphor implies that slavery is like fire that has a chance of being put to an end, but if …show more content…

One frequently repeated term is the word “justice”. This give a subtle hint to make the people remain focus on what he truly wants out of this speech (M. H. Jr.). King uses strong diction to get his point across. The word “Negro” produces a harsh and vulgar connotation to describe African Americans (M. L. Jr.). The audience could interpret that African Americans are experiencing difficult times and the people should make a difference. King repeats “I have a dream…” and “Let freedom ring…” towards the end of his speech (M. L. Jr.). He wants the people to understand that equality is something obtainable and will attempt anything in doing so. A prominent phrase said, is “I have a dream that my four little children… of their character” (M. L. Jr.). This appeals to the audience’s emotions and makes parents think of their children; a parent usually want the best for their children and wants them to have a better childhood then what they had. He hopes for everyone to get along and unite as one, and truly become free without discrimination or segregation. He wants equality not only in one area, but across the nation, for

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