Theft Every Voice And Sing Rhetorical Analysis Essay

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Rhetorical Analysis of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” James Weldon Johnson, noted author, civil right activist, and composer, in his poem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” describes the hardships of African Americans in the 1900’s. Johnson’s purpose is to encourage African Americans so that they can make it through the hard times. He adopts a powerful tone in order to inspire his African American readers. James Weldon Johnson uses powerful diction and imagery in “Lift Every Voice and Sing” to show his audience how to face hardships with unity, hope, and perseverance. Johnson begins his poem on behalf of the hardships of African Americans by acknowledging that after all the Africans hardships and pain they’ve been through, they are on the verge of freedom as long as they stick together. The way Johnson uses diction to show his audience how to face hardships with unity, is by the use of the strong phrases or words used. Johnson implies, “Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,” (28), and “Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last.”(19-20). The outpour of emotions with the use of strong diction words in that quote, informs the reader that as long as we the people …show more content…

Imagery has a strong way of showing hope to the readers as quoted, “Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast” (21). In this quote there is a great use of imagery and use of diction words. The color white is a symbol of purity, new beginnings, and hope. The way Johnson is using it is to let his audience know that there is still hope out there. “Let us march on till victory is won” (10), he lets his audience know that if we keeping pushing forward and moving on, we will find some sort of hope along the way. Johnson’s use of diction and imagery to show his audience how to face hardships with hope was very strong and powerful

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