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I Have A Dream Speech Rhetorical Analysis

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Recommended: The rhetorical devices in the "i have a dream speech

Introduction: The "I Have a Dream" speech is one of the most famous speeches in history, given by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The speech was a defining moment in the civil rights movement, and it remains a powerful example of rhetoric and oratory to this day. In this essay, we will analyze the speech and discuss its significance and impact. Overview of the Speech: The speech begins with Dr. King stating that he is happy to be in Washington, D.C., and that the march is a momentous occasion. He acknowledges the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before him and sets the tone for the speech by saying that they have come to "cash a check" - a reference to the unfulfilled promise of equality and justice for African Americans. …show more content…

Dr. King employs a variety of techniques to make his points, including repetition, allusion, and metaphor. For example, he repeats the phrase "I have a dream" throughout the speech, creating a powerful sense of hope and determination. He also alludes to the Bible and the Constitution, appealing to his audience's sense of morality and patriotism. Metaphors are also used to great effect in the speech. Dr. King compares segregation to a "dark and desolate valley," and he describes justice as a "mighty stream." These images are vivid and memorable, and they help to convey the urgency and importance of the civil rights movement. The Speech's Themes: The themes of the "I Have a Dream" speech are universal and timeless. Dr. King speaks of the need for justice and equality, and he emphasizes the importance of nonviolence and peaceful protest. He also speaks of the interconnectedness of all people, regardless of their race or nationality. These themes resonate with people all over the world, and they continue to inspire and motivate those who seek social justice and

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These beginning lines help connect King to the audience and lays the foundation for the rest of the speech. Following these introductory lines, King alters his center of attention and starts to focus on America's history and the beginning of our nation. He states "five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice........". In this section of the speech, King alludes to Abraham Lincoln and the history of America to gain credibility with his audience.

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