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

55 years ago, in the center of the U.S capital, a mass of people formed around one man. This man was the leader of the civil rights movement and a non-violent protestor against non-equality. The speech given by King on this day was short, but it will resonate through generations as we remember how powerful his speech really was. In the speech, many metaphors are used to paint a picture of the changes that America needed to make in order for the end of the movement to come. Martin Luther's "I have a Dream" speech was one that changed people's views on race equality and black freedom. The crowd that gathered around Martin Luther was very large and consisted of a black majority. While most people here were black, other races of people were present, as Dr. King made it clear that his speech was for all people, United in "brotherhood and sisterhood". King spoke to the assembly in such a manner that everyone could understand his points and concerns. He chose very descriptive analogies and metaphors to voice his cause and the changes that needed to follow through. The use of metaphors in the speech proved to be a fantastic choice by Dr. King. Many biblical verses and analogies painted the picture and related to the struggle for equal rights. He used many phrases such as "the cup of bitterness" and "exalted". The majority of the listeners were

Many of his metaphors pointed to the fact that "all men are created equal". For example, at the beginning of his speech, an analogy is given of a "promissory note to which every American was to fall heir." The descriptive words he used gave way to the human right to freedom and the pursuit of happiness. He noted the struggles that needed to be, but recognized the continuing fight that comes with it. These patriotic metaphors moved many and gave people a belief that one day everyone in the U.S could be treated with equality, no matter the