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A Rhetorical Analysis Of Martin Luther King's Speech

571 Words3 Pages

John Dually Bandy
Pre-AP Sophomore English
Ms. Bible
3-2-2023
In 1963, King delivered his famous speech I Have a Dream. It has since become an iconic moment in American history, recognized for its powerful rhetoric and passionate call for racial equality. A rhetorical analysis of this speech would examine the specific language, structure, and devices King used to persuade his audience and convey his message. This might include analyzing his use of metaphor, repetition, and other rhetorical devices, as well as the ways in which he built his argument and connected with his listeners.
In his famous speech "I Have a Dream," Martin Luther King Jr. utilized pathos, which is a rhetorical appeal to emotions, to inspire and motivate his audience. King used vivid imagery to paint a picture of racial inequality, saying "America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked insufficient funds and we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters." He spoke about the pain and suffering the African American community experienced, stating that they had been "seared in the flames of withering injustice" and highlighting the mistreatment they endured on a daily basis. King also tapped into his audiences’ hopes and dreams, painting a compelling vision of a future where people of all races could live …show more content…

used ethos by establishing himself as a credible and trustworthy source by referencing historical and religious figures and institutions. For example, he mentions Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bible to appeal to his audience's sense of patriotism and morality. King also spoke in a confident and passionate tone, speaking from his personal experience as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. By using ethos, King was able to persuade his audience that his cause was just and that they should join him in his fight for equality and justice for

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