Rhetorical Analysis Of I Have A Dream Speech
The Dream that shook America Speaker, Martin Luther King Jr., in his speech, “I Have a Dream,” points out that discrimination and inequality towards people of color and of all backgrounds need to come to an end. King’s purpose is to inform the audience gathered, at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom Assembly, about all of the hardships of discrimination in order to promote peace and to set his goals for the nation. He adopts a passionate tone in order to change the way society treats people of color and race during the Washington Assembly held in 1963. King begins his speech by introducing the topic of discrimination, where he encourages a change in the unfair treatment that African Americans receive on a daily basis. He demonstrates
his strong belief in change by stating that it is time for America to leave the “ dark and desolate valley of segregation” and enter the “sunlit path of racial justice…”(pg.1). These uses of imagery ,used to describe segregation and racial justice, reveal the importance of equality and the positive effect that it could have towards society. Furthermore, this statement has given the audience a clear picture of the peace that would emerge resulting from racial equality. King then transitions to talking about how equality and peace would never be granted until African Americans were given their full rights as citizens. He describes this type of turmoil in America by personifying it as a “whirlwind of revolt”(pg.1). This example of personification explains how there will never be rest until justice and rights are served. As a result, it adds more detail to the speech, encouraging many people to listen and think about the issue. At the end of the speech, King starts to bring up his goals and dreams for the future of America. This is where he repeats a number of phrases such as,”Let Freedom Ring”(pg.3). This constant use of rhythmic repetition helps him to build an increase in loudness that causes an interest in what he has to say. Each use of repetition builds on the one before and is reinforced by King’s ever increasing passion. As you can see, his use of this strategy appeals to the emotions of the audience and reveals the power that his ideals have among them. All in all, Martin Luther King’s, “I have a Dream” Speech, puts the Civil Rights Movement into the hearts and minds of all Americans. It not only inspired people to love each other, but to respect each others differences. In conclusion, King’s speech was one that shook all of America for the better.
his strong belief in change by stating that it is time for America to leave the “ dark and desolate valley of segregation” and enter the “sunlit path of racial justice…”(pg.1). These uses of imagery ,used to describe segregation and racial justice, reveal the importance of equality and the positive effect that it could have towards society. Furthermore, this statement has given the audience a clear picture of the peace that would emerge resulting from racial equality. King then transitions to talking about how equality and peace would never be granted until African Americans were given their full rights as citizens. He describes this type of turmoil in America by personifying it as a “whirlwind of revolt”(pg.1). This example of personification explains how there will never be rest until justice and rights are served. As a result, it adds more detail to the speech, encouraging many people to listen and think about the issue. At the end of the speech, King starts to bring up his goals and dreams for the future of America. This is where he repeats a number of phrases such as,”Let Freedom Ring”(pg.3). This constant use of rhythmic repetition helps him to build an increase in loudness that causes an interest in what he has to say. Each use of repetition builds on the one before and is reinforced by King’s ever increasing passion. As you can see, his use of this strategy appeals to the emotions of the audience and reveals the power that his ideals have among them. All in all, Martin Luther King’s, “I have a Dream” Speech, puts the Civil Rights Movement into the hearts and minds of all Americans. It not only inspired people to love each other, but to respect each others differences. In conclusion, King’s speech was one that shook all of America for the better.