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A Rhetorical Analysis Of Martin Luther King's Speech

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Grace De Leon
Cynthia Bradley
AP English Language
25 January 2023
MLK Speech Rhetorical Analysis
Martin Luther King/Jr., in his speech “I have a dream,” argues the issue and overall importance concerning equality in America. Luther uses his first-hand experience and his knowledge of racism to build an argument on how to eliminate this increasing dilemma between the black and white citizens of the United States. Throughout his speech, Martin Luther King Jr. uses poetic language devices such as repetition, symbology, metaphors, memorable quotes, strong adjectives, and personal pronouns to draw in the audience and highlight the change that American society must undergo. Martin Luther King jr. uses repetition, symbology, syntax, quotes, and metaphors …show more content…

Martin Luther uses repetition to represent his views on the future of freedom in America and his hope for equal rights for all. The most prominent use of repetition throughout his speech is when he says, “I have a dream...” King repeats this expression as he progressively develops an idea of his ideal future. It becomes a type of anthem as he paints a picture of a developed country with cultural unity and equality among races. Throughout the speech, the phrase “I have a dream” is used continuously to state his ideas for progression, his ideals for the future black people of America, and to form his critique of American society at the time. Many black citizens faced significant inequalities and obstacles between 1963 and the preceding years. Through Luther’s speech, many citizens resonated with the emotion in his language and urged a movement that would be a different cause for revolt, one meant for human rights instead of a pay wage increase. Martin Luther portrays the harsh reality of the black American people and how society must overcome these restraints and join

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