“i Have a Dream”:rhetorical Analysis
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“I Have a Dream”: Rhetorical Analysis
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech to thousands of Americans on August 28, 1963. In his speech, Dr. King told the people how acceptance and equality will make the United States of America a better country. He proves his point of equal rights by using diction, imagery, and figurative language.
Dr. King uses diction to discuss the topic of equality for the African American people. Diction is a persons choice of words and contributes to their voice and style. “() The Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself exile in his own land” (281). Exile is used in this quote to explain how much African American citizens are shunned in society.When it refers to the African Americans being in the corners of society it is another example of diction in this quote, giving the audience an impression of being outcast.
King also uses imagery to prove his point in his speech. Imagery is detail that can appeal any of a persons five senses. “() Little black boys and little black girls will join hands with little white boys and little white girls as sisters and brothers” (283-284). This example appeals to the audiences sense of sight, giving them a mental image of the two races, as children, coming together. Therefore, this is a good example of imagery in this speech to help Dr. King convince American citizens that African Americans deserve equality.
By using figurative language, King adds more detail to his speech and helps get his point across to his audience. “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” (283). Dr. King gives a scenario in which the parents in the audience can understand and possibly relate to. This example is emotional and makes the audience want the same for their children, making the speech more interesting.
“I Have a Dream” By Martin Luther King Jr. uses diction, imagery, and figurative language. These examples emphasize the importance of equality and acceptance for African Americans in our nation .