Rhetorical Analysis Of I Have A Dream By Martin Luther King

One of the most recognizable Baptist ministers and American social activists in the world, Martin Luther King, in his great speech, "I Have a Dream," calls for civil justice. Sequentially, he acknowledges how deeply the rights of the black citizens of the United States have been disregarded and violated, despite the promises of freedom and the security of justice. As evident, King 's principal purpose is to convey the idea that society contemporary to him is overwhelmed with racial injustice, upon which no real democracy attainable. The orator sends the message that American citizens of color deserve equality, and they can and have to demand it in every corner of their country. While delivering his speech in a rather confident manner, King adopts an enthusiastic and empathic, but still strict and pragmatic tone to appeal heavily to the feelings, emotions, and experiences in his audience.

He says, "I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation" (King, par. 1). Without any distractions, he immediately becomes an integral part, a leader of his audience. By this short statement, he elevates the spirit of every listener by acknowledging the limitless importance of the moment and letting each person comprehend his or her great contribution. King 's ethos - the authority of his character - grows immediately as he proceeds and cites the historical events, significant to his listeners. He generously applies metaphors and similes while highlighting the events of the past. For example, he says, "this momentous decree came as a great beacon light, for hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice" (King, par. 2). These words show that he is aware of both the exact chronicle of the events and of the role they play in the life of every