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Rhetorical Devices In Martin Luther King's Speech

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Malachi Murphy Ms. Albert English 1 5/8/24. “I Have A Dream” Speech by Martin Luther King on August 28th, 1963. Martin Luther King Jr gave his famous speech “ I Have A Dream “. In this speech Martin Luther King Jr uses many rhetorical devices to convey different means to his speech; He also went over the different injustices that were currently happening during that time period, and how he wanted freedom and equality no matter the person's skin tone or race. In the speech “ I Have A Dream” by Martin Luther King Jr, he uses the rhetorical device metaphor multiple times throughout his speech to convey different meanings and feelings to his audience. For example, Martin Luther King Jr. said “This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope” (“I Have A Dream” Speech). Essentially, Martin …show more content…

is saying that the important proclamation or order carries significant meaning, and should be seen as a source of inspiration and optimism for the future. Once more he remarks that “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges” (“I Have A Dream” Speech). Conveying that there will be an ongoing and persistent rebellion that will disrupt the current foundation of the nation. In Martin Luther King Jr’s speech, “I Have A Dream” he also uses the rhetorical device “simile” to further convey more meaning and emotion to his speech, by saying “...and we will not be satisfied until ‘justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.’” (Luther). The comparison with justice to “waters” and “righteousness” to a “mighty stream” conveys a notion of an unstoppable force that cannot be stopped or contained, it suggests that justice will not be bound moreover imprisoned but instead that justice will flow freely, and

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