Rhetorical Analysis Of Martin Luther King's 'I Have A Dream'

Martin Luther King Jr.’s, “I Have A Dream” was a public speech delivered during the March on Washington For Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, in which he invites the idea of civil rights and calls for the end of racism. He blatantly addresses the key issues of racial injustice and inequality, while also underlyingly insinuating that non-violence is the key to solving these issues. He spoke form the heart, directing his words to appeal to the emotions of the people. The momentous speech was immensely successful at getting the audience to take action peacefully, to solve this historical issues of racism. His goals were straightforward and blunt, to end systematic oppression. In the speech “I Have A Dream” by Martin Luther King Jr., the idea

He utilizes the imagery of height quite frequently to show the high points of life. King constantly encourages the audience to rise to the heights above those who oppress them and above those who choose physical violence to solve their problems. Another common and more stronger type of imagery used in his speech is the contrasting images of order and chaos, in which he employs to represent the two very different outcomes of every decision we make. A comparison of whirlwinds to bright days is used to help the audience better depict how bright days will emerge after overcoming the obstacle that whirlwinds bring. “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright days of justice emerge.” King gives his followers two choices, to either chose violence and continue their fight for justice forever or the choose peace and allow for bright days of justice to emerge. Perhaps the most strongest use of imagery in his speech was his purpose of awakening the people to a realization that injustice is bringing the nation down. King mentions that if we continue with business as usual, one day our nation will collapse under us, but if we act fast and unite, then a solid foundation will be built before us. “Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.”. The concept of a solid foundation versus sinking quicksand helped drive a clearer view for the audience to picture of whether it's worth it to risk the nation to continue belittling those of color or not. King’s diverse use of symbolism encourages a peaceful outlook for his listeners who are struggling with injustice and oppression by providing options for his followers to look