I Have A Dream Rhetorical Analysis

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The “I Have a Dream” speech, written and given by Martin Luther King, Jr, is widely known as one of the most moving and motivational speeches in American history. Doctor King is mostly known for being a leader in the Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s, and as a very talented speaker. The aim of his speech was to inspire a change of mind in white and black Americans, and to convince them that the end of segregation must be swift, yet non-violent. The audience was the general public, and the tone somewhat argumentative. His mention of Lincoln was important because not only is his signing of the Emancipation Proclamation a fundamental aspect of the Civil Rights movement, but he was a great President who inspired many Americans and gave citizens a sense of empowerment. By linking Lincoln to his speech, it shows an ethos appeal and gives his speech, and himself, credibility. Also, he mentions that every American is guaranteed life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, yet the sincerity of that promise is in question. This establishes a sense of authority that cannot be ignored by putting our own American constitution in place to support his speech. When using the phrase “one hundred years later” in the beginning of his speech, he puts emphasis on the…show more content…
His use of bible quotes allows him to connect to the audience through faith, and also supports that what he is saying is the absolute truth. And since the majority of Americans were religious, it made them feel like a whole unit, like they can stand together. He also states that his dream is ”deeply rooted in the American dream,” which he uses to appeal to all Americans, and convey his belief that all Americans deserve freedom, regardless of color. Another huge course of appeal is that he is a caring father, and wants the absolute best for his children. This allows men who are fathers to relate to him even further through very basic human
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