MLK Speech Analyzation

Thesis: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. exceptionally used antithesis, effective diction, and repetition to convey his speech to people.


MLK respectively used the rhetorical device antithesis to convey his speech by stating "I have a dream that my four little children  will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character " (page 5 para 1). MLK stated this because during the civil rights movement, white children had access to bigger and better education, while black children barely had an education or none at all. This antithesis was effective because it shined a light on situations where black children didn't have the same opportunities as white children did. Not only were black children treated differently , but also their parents. In 1965, the voting rights act was signed into law by president Lyndon B. Johnson. He aimed to overcome legal barriers that prevented blacks from voting as guaranteed in the 15th amendment.

MLK honestly used effective diction by stating ".. one day right there in Alabama little black boys and little black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and little white girls as sisters and brothers" (page 5 para 1). MLK probably felt it was necessary to say this because it emphasizes the issues of segregation. This statement was effective because it brought attention to the difficulties of being segregated which later led to segregation being abolished in 1965. MLK had a powerful voice to influence people to stand up for what they believed in. MLK presented good leadership by standing up in front of hundred thousands of people to end segregation.

MLK precisely used repetition to convey his speech. On page 4, paragraph 4, MLK uses "Go back" shortly naming the states that were affected by racism and segregation. Repetition in paragraph 4 emphasizes the struggles and issues that the states including run-down housing, low funds, and limited rights. Before the segregation law was abolished, African Americans were limited to rights, leaving them to struggle and to fight for their freedom.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

“You’re” by Sylvia Plath

AP ClassRoom (Wednesday)

Almost Christmas Break (Friday)