Extended Metaphors In Martin Luther King's Speech

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Are there any similes and metaphors which emphasis a message of underpin a viewpoint? Firstly, during the first half of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, King’s use of an extended metaphor to underpin the idea that the Negro people (cf. App I line x) have been cheated when referring to the American ‘Constitution and the Declaration of Independance’. This extended metaphor states that “American has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked insufficient funds (cf. App I line x). Through the use of this metaphor, King’s message - that people of colour have been cheated - is conveyed in a way which most of the audience at the time can understand. Due to the fact that the majority of the audience understand this, the idea conveyed is instantly easier to memorise. In contrast, Barack Obama’s use of…show more content…
For example, Farmers and scholars; statesmen and patriots who had traveled across an ocean to escape tyranny and persecution…(cf. App II line x) Barack Obama is bringing these people together, despite their differences, to emphasis his message about Independence and Equal Rights. Additionally, Barack Obama makes use of the rule of three, a rhetorical device that involves the listing of three points. In this case the list of three is liberty, and justice, and a union…(cf. App II line x), This device creates a complete thought that is easier for the audience to remember as a like is established between points. Furthermore, union relates back to Obama’s previous point that created through pairing, that even with differences, the American are connected. Like with metaphors, Obama’s use of repetition is significantly less than King’s. However, there is one example, ...more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous…(cf. App II line
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    the most powerful is the person, that with the mere use of their voice and language can achieve their goals. Martin Luther King Jr., an active figure in the civil rights movement, was one of these rare people. When he gave his “I Have A Dream” speech on August 28, 1963 in Washington D.C., he moved an entire nation. In his speech he effectively used schemes and tropes such as extended metaphor, hypophora, and anaphora to portray to his audience the struggle of African Americans in society. He also established

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