Rhetorical Analysis Of Martin Luther King Speech

In paragraphs 12-14 King uses a combination of rhetorical strategies to argue the urgency for changing current segregation laws. Kings selective use of imagery, parallel structure, and metaphors helps bring out the emotions of the eight clergymen, making them feel sympathy and understand Martin Luther King Jr.s point of view.

Throughout the world, many speeches are delivered that convey an essential message to the minds of the audience. Similarly, a revolutionary man delivered a speech to embolden and assert the audience in dissidence against the intolerable discrimination as well as the segregation of African Americans. Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent figure in the history of Civil Rights, recited his famous speech, “I Have A Dream.” He stood for the ideas of social equality. Throughout his speech, he used extensive rhetorical strategies that made it effective for the audience.

People are all the same. It does not matter if you are white, black, rich, or poor. We are all the same. B: In the ‘’I Have a Dream’’ speech MLK uses ethos, pathos, and logos. Ethos is the speaker’s credibility with the audience, Logos uses logic, and Pathos is what appeals to the readers or audiences emotions. T: The most important appeal the Martin Luther King Jr uses is pathos, which is shown when he talks about how one hundred years later the negro is still not free, Its time to rise up from segregation, and I have a dream.

Pathos is used to obtain the feelings of sympathy or pity, and Martin Luther King Jr. uses it to his advantage by pointing out many examples of the harsh treatment towards the black

It's the 1960's; American society is being torn asunder by civil unrest involving the struggle for equality at home and an inhumane war in Vietnam. In the midst of such turbulence, Martin Luther King Junior argues that American involvement in the war in Vietnam is unjust. He poignantly examines the thesis using appeals to ethos logos and pathos.

In the speech “Lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr” by Cesar Chavez uses Pathos to Inspire his audience. In the speech, Chavez Chavez said “ The time is now for people, of all  races and background, to sound the trumpets of change”. This quote demonstrates Pathos because he is inspiring his audience. The evidence has the power to inspire because he’s telling people of all races to stand up and fight for change.

Also, Martin Luther King Jr. used many examples of pathos in this letter. To really get through to his audience, ethos is not enough. People sympathize quicker than they understand their high ranking in the community. Martin Luther King Jr. paints a vivid picture about how blacks really feel about their treatment. “…when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six year old daughter why she can't go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children, and see ominous clouds of inferiority beginning to form in her little mental sky, and see her beginning to distort her personality by developing an unconscious bitterness toward white people; when you have to concoct an answer for a five year old son who is

“…it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging dark of segregation to say, "Wait." But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim…” (para. 14). Sentences such as these are what set Martin Luther King Jr. apart as not only an intelligent man, but a genius with stringing together words that manipulate the reader into believing what he wants them too. The rhetorical strategy pathos can be the strongest weapon ever wielded by an author. The power to manipulate an audience by connecting to their emotions connects King not only to the public’s emotions, but their morals and beliefs. A simple act of wording something negatively, “There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair.” (para. 14) starts the reader on the path to unknowingly shifting their moral code to fit that of King’s. The strength of pathos aids MLK Jr. in not only getting across his beliefs to others, but to have them believe it as

On April 3rd, 1968 in Memphis,Tennessee at the Mason Temple many protesters came together to hear Martin Luther King Jr’s speech. His purpose was to get his point across, blacks should have their freedom like any other white man or woman. Martin Luther King Jr. went on to say how happy he is to be living in this time period, able to see the period of life unfold. His purpose was to raise awareness that, something is happening in the world,things are going to start changing. Martin Luther King Jr’s use of ethos and pathos is successful in showing that the world is changing in many ways. Most of all he uses logos or logic very well, giving us the info on how, people are starting to rise up in masses and make small cities bigger like New York City, Atlanta, Georgia and many other cities.

During the mid 20th century, citizens all over America were fighting for their rights, especially including women and those of color. This period marked the beginning of a long road of reconciliation and reconstruction, but now citizens have been able to cross the finish line in establishing equal rights for all of the United States citizens. Over time, American’s former issues regarding the civil liberties of citizens have slowly resolved such as the rights of equality for citizens of color, the repercussions of citizens voicing their opinions, and acquiring rights for women.

Martin Luther King Jr was a protestor who became the most important spokesperson and leader in the Civil Rights Movement. He was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People(NAACP) and in 1954, he decided to take a position as a preacher at Dexter Avenue Church in Montgomery, Alabama. King felt as though it was his moral duty to help the civil rights movement which is why he planned many activities that will help get his point across. Activities such as boycotts, sit-in protest, freedom rides, and many nonviolent protests, which led to his arrest in 1963. Martin Luther King Jr. uses different rhetorical appeals to demonstrate all the conflict African

However, in a dynamic environment the changing amalgamation of a refurbished society and a greater media presence has cultivated an anti-leadership perspective”. For example, Herman (2002) uses irony to suggest that individuals who seek out leadership are egotistical and pretentious. This is further fuelled by media coverage capturing scandals, including Priest voluptuous exploitation, major non-profit organisation being corrupt and military-leader arrogance leading to foreign hatred. Hence, Herman (2007) further advocates that we have been conditioned to expect distrust and fear in the ways leaders act. Though she draws upon historical figures including, Nelson Mandela and martin Luther king suggesting that students don’t resonate with the

The intended audience would have to be every single American person alive. Because, of the microphone stand we know it could be heard nationwide, and the police officers in the photo next to the speech, lets us know there was an immense crowd.

Throughout history public speech has taken its role on society, benefitting those whom chose to speak up for others along with themselves. However, not all cases are considered, “good standings” when addressed to the public or government. As most groups/governments fight for what is “right” in the value of benefitting themselves, rather than fighting for what is “right” in the hands of all others. Which by definition of the word “right” is, “morally good, justified, or acceptable”. Except, of course, when using the word acceptable in the definition of the word “right”, human figures capitalize by influencing others to retaliate against certain orders/laws given.

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. uses one linguistic style rhetoric, that provides the audience with an elaboration of the speech “I Have a Dream.” The elaboration of the speech should be high enough for the audience to scrutinize the message, but by clear enough for the audience to understand the substance of the speech. It should be spoke with one style that displays the correct elaboration.