StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Premium+

A Rhetorical Analysis of I Have a Dream Speech by Martin Luther King Jr - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
This is "A Rhetorical Analysis of I Have a Dream Speech by Martin Luther King Jr." One of the most memorable speeches in the world was by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial steps. …
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER92.1% of users find it useful

Extract of sample "A Rhetorical Analysis of I Have a Dream Speech by Martin Luther King Jr"

Download file to see previous pages

He presented a perfect blend of allusions, repetition, and metaphors that negotiated for the push for equality in America. It acted as a restart button for America to see the equality in each one. The immense experience in public speaking saw Martin Lurther King Jr. choose the route of an emotional reach. The tone would evoke emotions to the crowd instead of a political rant. He was able to reach the core of patriotism by alluding to the self-revelation of equality in men for happiness, liberty, and life.

America is an embodiment of freedom while symbolizing a new beginning in life. The American Dream was the epitome for all Americans in their quest for justice, liberty, and freedom. However, the realities painted a different picture for African Americans in their pursuit of happiness and the American Dream. The s was a reminder of the cornerstones that built this great nation. He was able to stress the importance of each one receiving their human rights. Despite the color of a person, underneath all, we are all the same.

The representation of all the different races as humans, he was able to paint a picture of a vision for equality. The use of metaphors is evident in drawing a close relationship for the need for equality for all races. The use of metaphor applies to the relation of the civil rights of African Americans as a bad check, which bounces with insufficient funds. The situation blinds the people that the people in control of ensuring civil rights for all are blind. He agrees that America is where people come to search for opportunities in life.

However, he agrees with the fact that people of color are subject to unjust laws. He refuses to be part of the system put in place by people who do not understand the pain of being undermined because of your skin color. Despite the gloom, he believes that there is light at the end of the tunnel. He envisions an America where every person is treated equally regardless of their race. The entire addressing by Martin Jr. is a call to action for people who see the unjust system in place. It is, therefore, up to the people to transform the system.

With the unjust laws present in America, the speech acts as a motivation for Americans to show their freedom. The wordplay shows instances of repetition of certain phrases such as the iconic ‘I have a dream,’ and others. The speech by King is delivered with the use of bold statements while using repetition. Each instance of repetition builds upon the other while emphasizing it through the totality of the speech. You can feel the passion for the words by King as he flows ideas and patterns to evoke emotions from people.

Kings addressing ends in a crescendo, which builds up slowly. If you want to see the change in the world, start by being the change first. Change in the world is not brought about by sitting around and wishing for one. It starts by people stepping up and airing their ideas and through. It involves taking on open discussions on topics that are affecting the current society. The actions of everybody advocating for change forms the entire basis for King in his memorable speech. There was no fear in the eyes of Martin Kings as he pushed for change in the ways he saw in America.

Kings actions were to motivate others to step up and speak. The actions and words of Martin King Jr. were able to inspire a nation that marking a turn in the history of the nation. Long after King's demise, his words still have a grave meaning in the current society. A rhetorical analysis of I Have a Dream speech by Martin Luther King Jr. shows that the message for equality continues to live on through people.  

...Download file to see next pages Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(A Rhetorical Analysis of I Have a Dream Speech by Martin Luther King Essay, n.d.)
A Rhetorical Analysis of I Have a Dream Speech by Martin Luther King Essay. https://studentshare.org/literature/2089215-a-rhetorical-analysis-of-i-have-a-dream-speech-by-martin-luther-king-jr-premium-essay
(A Rhetorical Analysis of I Have a Dream Speech by Martin Luther King Essay)
A Rhetorical Analysis of I Have a Dream Speech by Martin Luther King Essay. https://studentshare.org/literature/2089215-a-rhetorical-analysis-of-i-have-a-dream-speech-by-martin-luther-king-jr-premium-essay.
“A Rhetorical Analysis of I Have a Dream Speech by Martin Luther King Essay”. https://studentshare.org/literature/2089215-a-rhetorical-analysis-of-i-have-a-dream-speech-by-martin-luther-king-jr-premium-essay.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF A Rhetorical Analysis of I Have a Dream Speech by Martin Luther King Jr

I Have a Dream - Critical Rhetorical Analysis

Perhaps the best demonstration of rhetoric comes about in the “I have a dream” speech delivered by martin luther king in 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial.... i have a dream – Critical Rhetorical Analysis Rhetoric ensures effective communication especially with large audiences.... Rhetorical Devices Employed in “i have a dream” Martin Luther King's speech is distinct because of the various rhetorical devices it utilises.... Historical Analysis – Need for Rhetoric and Historical Accuracy martin luther king delivered his speech to a crowd of around 200,000 civil rights supporters in Washington D....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Analysis of Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have a Dream Speech

Notwithstanding the meticulous process that went into composing this landmark speech, and regardless of the famed rhetorical prowess of the person who delivered it, all of which may be no more than secondary details, the simplicity and the essence, the power and the impact of martin luther king's words, prima facie, transcend the reach of rational analysis. ... n the first place, martin luther king was not speaking as a clever orator bent upon persuading his audience....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Rhetorical Analysis Paper

Today, many people still use his speeches as a backdrop for their presentations… One of the most important speeches is the "i have a dream" Speech.... As an example, he suggested that "the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity "(king, 1964).... For this paper, this speech will be analyzed as it pertains to leadership. ... He starts this speech with "five scores years ago" which is a direct reference to Abraham Lincolns most famous speech....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Rhetolical analysis

martin luther king jr.... had a speech “i have a dream” for America.... His own experience is incorporated in the speech when he says that “i have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.... In his speech, King called for an end to… He began his speech by stating his agenda, which was demonstrating for the civil rights of the Negros....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Rhetorical Analysis of MLK Jr's Speech I Have a Dream

This essay "Rhetorical Analysis of MLK Jr's Speech i have a dream" focuses on the speech that has become one of the most notable historical speeches.... Similarly, the speech is regarded as a landmark in the history of black liberation; all throughout the speech martin luther king shares the dream of an African American for freedom and equality.... martin luther king employs a number of rhetorical strategies to make his speech effective and appealing to the audience....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

I've Been to the Mountain Top by Martin Luther King

hellip; The remarkable speech, “I've Been to the Mountain Top” was delivered by martin luther king in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 3, 1968, the day before his assassination.... The goal of this essay is to provide a rhetorical critique of martin luther king's speech known as “I've Been to the Mountain Top" delivered in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 3, 1968.... artin luther king gave this speech to address the problem of racism in society and how justice has to be pursued through non-violence....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Oratorical Analysis of Martin Luther King Juniors Speech, I Have a Dream

According to martin luther king jr, racism was deeply rooted in the United States and it was the main driver of oppression and discrimination against the Negroes.... The most remarkable poetic feature of the speech constitutes repeating the phrase, “i have a dream”.... It has been reported that the original speech that Martin Luther was to deliver did not have the section, “i have a dream”.... Martin Luther King, Jr delivered the speech, i have a dream on August 28, 1963 (Price 3)....
11 Pages (2750 words) Assignment

I Have a Dream: Speech by Martin Luther King Jr

This speech "I Have a Dream: speech by martin luther king jr.... This paper provides an in-depth analysis of martin luther king's speech by identifying strategies used, methods used to communicate information, the effectiveness of the organizational pattern.... In terms of ethos and pathos, the speech presents an account of martin luther's urge to fight for freedom.... analysis of the use of visuals including PowerPoint, opening and closing strategies, and arguments is also essential....
6 Pages (1500 words) Speech or Presentation
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us