I Have A Dream Rhetorical Analysis

Martin Luther King, Jr. was not only a preacher, but a Civil rights leader who fought for justice. In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a speech in Washington D.C. titled, “I Have A Dream.” The central idea of his “I Have A Dream” speech was that even though the American government may have flaws, people should still fight for the rights which they were guaranteed by the American Government. Throughout the speech, Martin Luther King, Jr. used several literary and rhetorical devices such as repetition, allusions, and emotional appeal to convey his central idea.
One way Martin Luther King, Jr. uses rhetoric to convey his central idea is through repetition. For example, Martin Luther King, Jr. repeats the words “one hundred years later” and “now.” By repeating these time related phrases the reader notices how the author highlights that there has not been any progression for African-Americans, and also to show urgency in addressing issues concerning injustice. Martin Luther King, Jr., also repeats the phrases “we must” and “I have a dream,” to outline what African-Americans must do concerning equality. By repeating “I have a dream” Martin Luther King, Jr., not only inspires hope but

uses rhetoric to support his central idea is by referencing the Emancipation Proclamation, “Five score years ago, a great American… signed the Emancipation Proclamation.” Martin Luther King, Jr., also states “... a joyus daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.” Martin Luther King, Jr., also makes reference to the Constitution when he says “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men created equal.” By referencing these historical documents the reader notices how the Emancipation Proclamation gave black citizens hope, and how Abraham Lincoln played a significant role in the abolishment of slavery. Martin Luther King, Jr., also references the Bible, “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it