I Have A Dream Speech Rhetorical Devices

On August 28, 1963, a speech was delivered during the March on Washington for 250,000 people to hear. The speaker was Martin Luther King Jr, a visionary leader and advocate for equality. The purpose of the speech was to give hope to the people who face injustice and segregation. In his speech, Martin Luther utilizes repetition and tone to form his style. The quote “I have a dream” was used in his speech eight different times. I infer that through the use of that quote, he molds his tone, giving a tone of joy and hopefulness for the future of America. While MLK does use the quote “I have a dream” eight times, we see another style of repetition when he discusses freedom for all of God’s children. The quote we see repeating there is “Free at last”

This use of chronological structure helps the reader understand the speech effectively. By guiding the reader through the past to the present, the reader has an understanding of what is to come and what is to be expected of the speech. In summary, this organizational structure gives context to the reader and helps them follow through with the speech. Martin Luther King Junior uses persuasive devices such as statistics, the rule of three, and repetition. With the line “I say to you, my friends, that despite the difficulties and frustration of the moment, I still have a dream,” we see MLK using statistics by using the words “I” and “You.” The usage of statistics ensures that the reader knows who the speaker is and who the speaker is talking to, creating a sort of nonexistent

Similar to repetition and how it repeatedly creates this urge to the message being told, it is similar to imagery, which is commonly used in MLK’s speech. The first use of imagery we hear in his speech is when MLK compares the Emancipation Proclamation as a “great beacon of hope.” MLK describes the great beacon of hope as a light illuminating the path of freedom for millions of enslaved people. Following the previous quote, the words “seared in the flames of withering injustice” are used. The words there are also used in imagery talking of the intense suffering and oppression of the enslaved people. The use of imagery is very effective in displaying creativity for the reader because as the reader reads, they also imagine and create images in their minds, envisioning what the words mean. MLK’s use of words was very empowering, not only did he deliver them in such an excellent way, but the emotion you felt from his speech was incredible. In MLK’s statement about his dream, it gives you a sense of hope and optimism. MLK’s dream was to unite men and women of all different races who sought to end racial discrimination and create a paradise where skin color did not