I Have A Dream Analysis

    The I Have A Dream speech contains a number of rhetorical devices. Through the use of these writings, he was able to break through to the minds of many people and give a new outlook. Three devices he used that were important are metaphor, repetition, and antithesis.
   
    Dr. King effectively uses metaphor throughout his speech. on page 1 line 7, he states "... millions of negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. He is speaking for slaves who were affected greatly by injustice. Page 3 line 4 says," Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred". He wanted our people to not use hatred to solve problems in order to get freedom.
   
    Repetition is a definite occurrence in the speech. Page 1 paragraph 2, he uses the words "One hundred years later". This directly emphasizes how 100 years after slavery was abolished, people are still not completely free. Page 4 paragraph 5 and 6, he uses the well known "I have a dream". During this part, he speaks of his dreams for the future. Freedom for African Americans and the putting aside of differences and being able to stand together.
 
     Antithesis is another important device used. Two examples are stated on page 5. Line 3," I have a dream that... will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character". From the beginning, Africans and African Americans have been treated wrongly due to the way they look. Also in line 20 he states, "with this faith... transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. Dr. King wanted to turn our nations differences into a great symbol of togetherness.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Wuthering Heights Book Review

Into the unknown

Same old same old