Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Justice For All
Justice for All- “I have a dream” by Martin Luther King Jr.
On August 28th, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave the infamous “ I have a dream” speech, a speech that became a pivotal moment in the history of Civil Rights. King’s address took place during the march on Washington rally, where 250,000 civil rights activists had gathered to join the peaceful protest. Martin Luther King Jr.’s purpose is to unite and inspire those fighting for justice, through the use of repetition devices, syntax devices, and figurative language. Repetition devices are utilized in King’s speech to unite and inspire his followers. He declares “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation …show more content…
When King states “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges”, the personification inspires the activists to persevere. By referring to the “foundation of our nation”, King explains that the fight won’t be easy, as a foundation refers to something steady and strong, yet we will not cease until justice is received. Furthermore, King alludes to Abraham Lincoln, by opening his speech with “five score years ago”. This phrase came from the Gettysburg Address, which was a widely influential speech given in the midst of the Civil War. In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln honors the dead Union soldiers and reminds the his listeners that they died for equality, national unity, and freedom. King’s reference to the Gettysburg Address reminds his supporters of what they’re fighting for, and inspires them to keep on fighting. Lincoln also signed the Emancipation Proclamation, a presidential order which declared that all slaves would be free, which was the starting point of the civil rights movement. Though it didn’t free the slaves, it still made a enormous impact as it motivated many people to end slavery. In conclusion, the allusion to Lincoln inspires the activists to make a difference. Additionally, figurative language is used is when he describes his supporters as“battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds
On August 28th, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave the infamous “ I have a dream” speech, a speech that became a pivotal moment in the history of Civil Rights. King’s address took place during the march on Washington rally, where 250,000 civil rights activists had gathered to join the peaceful protest. Martin Luther King Jr.’s purpose is to unite and inspire those fighting for justice, through the use of repetition devices, syntax devices, and figurative language. Repetition devices are utilized in King’s speech to unite and inspire his followers. He declares “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation …show more content…
When King states “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges”, the personification inspires the activists to persevere. By referring to the “foundation of our nation”, King explains that the fight won’t be easy, as a foundation refers to something steady and strong, yet we will not cease until justice is received. Furthermore, King alludes to Abraham Lincoln, by opening his speech with “five score years ago”. This phrase came from the Gettysburg Address, which was a widely influential speech given in the midst of the Civil War. In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln honors the dead Union soldiers and reminds the his listeners that they died for equality, national unity, and freedom. King’s reference to the Gettysburg Address reminds his supporters of what they’re fighting for, and inspires them to keep on fighting. Lincoln also signed the Emancipation Proclamation, a presidential order which declared that all slaves would be free, which was the starting point of the civil rights movement. Though it didn’t free the slaves, it still made a enormous impact as it motivated many people to end slavery. In conclusion, the allusion to Lincoln inspires the activists to make a difference. Additionally, figurative language is used is when he describes his supporters as“battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds