Analogies In To Kill A Mockingbird

From speeches to poetry, fiction to nonfiction, the literary works that were created by the events of Civil Rights movement are well-acclaimed and revolutionary for their time. Despite slavery ending in 1865, racial tensions and segregation ran rampant in the 20th century. To overcome this injustice and encourage social change, protesters and activists have created powerful literary statements. Martin Luther King Jr. was a distinguished leader of the African American Civil Rights movement. His speeches and actions would prove to invigorate many people, both in the 20th century and today. Furthermore, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird introduced the groundbreaking idea of challenging the mindset of the oppressors themselves. Although both

One example would be his lines around the latter half of his speech, which is as follows, ”I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed… I have a dream that one day… I have a dream today!”(King). King reiterates his iconic line, while clearly expressing his thoughts and concerns about the nation as a whole. These words heavily resonated throughout the audience and are still remembered vividly today. Moreover, King uses a certain language and a series of analogies to further clarify his purpose, while motivating the crowd. “This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality.”(King). In this analogy, he explains the situation will not change unless the people finally achieve what they have yearned for, equality. Not only does the use of “sweltering summer” and “invigorating autumn” further clarify his point, his words embolden the people’s desire for change. King’s use of rhetorical devices interlaces with his development of Aristotle’s models of

King begins his speech by referencing a major event in American history, the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. This is immediately followed by a comment about society, one hundred years subsequently. “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation… But one hundred years later, the Negro is still not free… still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the claims of discrimination.” He openly discloses an entire decade has passed since the promise to abolish racism and mentions this injustice is still present. In addition to the powerful language King uses, this quote relates to his use of Logos, or persuasion via logic and reasoning. King puts emphasis on the fact it should simply not take this long to end segregation, and expresses his dissatisfaction with this empty promise. Furthermore, the simple delivery and enunciation of each spoken word was intentional on King’s behalf. This delivery alludes to his use of Pathos, or emotional appeal. “I have a dream today!... Let freedom ring!... Free at last, Free at last, Great God almighty, we are Free at last!”(King). King makes a strong effort to deliver each word with passion and inspiration, which consequently keeps the audience engaged and attentive. With the audience listening to every word King speaks, the audience understands