While reading the speech, one can feel King’s soul in it. King tries to make the frustration visible that years of neglect has caused. His speech keeps growing more dramatic and engaging. King Jr himself was a highly influential leader, which is also a source of ethical appeal in the speech. as one of the greatest African Americans in history. Wikipedia has listed Martin Luther King Jr. His reference to the Emancipation Proclamation and its promises also adds ethical appeal to the speech. King’s biggest disappointment is that the promises made during Lincoln’s time never became a reality, and instead, African Americans have been being fed more fake promises. King dreamt of a cohesive society that would not easily fall prey to discrimination or stay divided along the lines of color. However, King’s speech is also rich in imagery, and his phrases frequently paint the picture of a beautiful dream-like nation where peace and prosperity abound.
I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH WORKSHEET PDF FREE
In his speech, King frequently looks back at moments in American history and refers to the leaders who laid the foundation of free America. With these words, he sets the background and foundation of his speech and his vision of the future that includes freedom, non-discrimination, and long-lasting happiness. King’s initial words are a call for unity and to take a united stand against discrimination. King started his speech with the lines, “ I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.” had delivered this speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC on 28 August 1963. It analyses the charm and power of his speech. Here is a rhetorical analysis of his speech that focuses on ethos, pathos, and logos. King’s rhetoric was powerful, and millions found inspiration and hope in his words. King imagined a brighter future for the people of color and an environment in which African Americans could coexist with white people and create a stronger nation and society free from discrimination. His speech is intense but contains no demonstration of hatred against the white people. King was a great advocate of Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of nonviolence and wished that the whites and people of color could live together in peace. However, King used his powerful rhetoric to redirect the African American struggle in a new direction and to persuade them to stand united in their battle against racism and discrimination. Things have changed a lot since King Jr spoke before the masses, but the struggle continues.Īfrican-Americans are still fighting for an equal status. This heartwarming speech marked the beginning of a new era in black history. Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream Speech” is among the most unforgettable speeches in the American history.