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Rhetorical Devices In Rosa Parks Speech

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Former President Barack Obama delivers an inspiring speech dedicated to one of the most well-known civil rights activists, Rosa Parks. As Obama addresses Parks in the National Statuary Hall of the United States Capitol building he uses comparison and repetition to convey Parks’ bravery and perseverance, as well as using biblical references to demonstrate what Rosa Parks has taught us and how she has helped change society for the better. Obama’s main purpose in giving this speech was to convey the power of Parks' actions and how they affected so many to follow in her footsteps. He not only wanted to recognize Rosa Parks’ actions but to also spread awareness of how to rebuild the foundation of prosperity and guide people on a path to less discrimination …show more content…

Through scripture he is able to make a comparison between the Lord's teachings and Rosa Parks’ teaching; finding the similarities within the verse, “For now we see through a glass, darkly” (Obama 62). Similarly to Parks’ purpose of trying to persuade people to change their views and treat everyone with the same respect no matter what race, this Bible verse conveys that it takes time for people to learn, but the results will come eventually. Obama references Scripture to demonstrate how just like the Bible leads people, so does Rosa Parks. Obama intended for the audience to see the power of Parks’ actions through the use of the Bible. Another biblical reference made by Barack Obama as he was giving his speech was directly comparing Parks to God demonstrating that again they had similar views and ways of teaching people. Obama said that Rosa Parks, “walk[ed] miles … not thinking about the blisters on [her] feet,” invoking that just as God was able to walk barefoot through thick and thin and never complain or give up, Parks did the same. Obama mentioned this biblical reference in his speech about Rosa Parks to convey how much she endured facing discrimination and showing the reason why she decided to not sit in the back of the bus. Rosa demonstrated bravery and strength. She was selfless; she didn’t just do it for herself but for the whole community. By comparing Rosa to God or the Bible, Obama wanted the audience to see the sacrifice Parks made in order to change the way people viewed the African American population. Obama highlights that Parks' bravery and bold decision not only influenced modern America but shaped its

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