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A Rhetorical Analysis Of Dr. Martin Luther King's I Have A Dream

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I Have a Dream - Rhetorical Analysis Inspiration and exuberance were the emotions that people felt as they listened to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s., “I Have a Dream” speech. The momentous speech was delivered on August 26th, 1968, shocking the world with its influential expression of emotion and implication of social injustice. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. proclaims courage to the civil rights activists as he speaks passionately about the need to end racism. In his words he suggests,“This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (King) . Dr. King is insisting that there should be equality between one another. Dr. …show more content…

In the beginning of the speech, King goes back to the Constitution and Declaration of Independence stating that ”....all men, black or white, were to be granted the same rights” (Declaration of Independence). King goes on to explain how this right has not been kept, making it appear to be similar to a laid-back rule. Ethically most people believe that it is necessary to keep a promise. Therefore this makes people see racism in a whole new light; racism has not been justified because the United States have failed to uphold their promises. Kings goes on to say how racial equality can not be achieved until “...justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream” (King). He deliberately tries to make the audience feel as if racial segregation is both wrong and against basic morals. Martin Luther King’s most famous speech, “I Have a Dream” was the changing point for racism in America. It managed to inspire a generation of blacks to never give up and made thousands of white Americans feel ashamed of their actions. To make the speech effective, King uses all three rhetoric concepts to make his speech stronger. Even now, his speech continues to make generations of people give up their racist beliefs and support social colorblindness. Without Dr. King, America would probably still be heavily

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Dr. King also mentions that the constitution says that “we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.” If all men are equal that means that colored people should not be treated like that and are inferior to white people because they were created equal. He uses repetition again in his speech when he repeats the phrase “We can never be satisfied.” Dr. King uses this phrase to show the people that colored people will not be stopped until they are given equal rights. Then, he uses repetition again when he talks about the different dreams he has.

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King also states “[t]here will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights.”, in this King informs everyone that the equal rights movement will not give up and will persevere until they are granted their rights that they were promised. King also explains that it would be detrimental for America to ignore the importance and determination of the movement. King uses these phrases to empower the movement and forewarn the opposers of the coming “... whirlwind revolt ...” to “... shake the foundation of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” (600), this message being central to his point of equal justice and equal rights, for everyone, which I believe gave the movement a boost in strength and endurance to power through adversity and gain the suffrage and rights they

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