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Similarities Between Othello And Martin Luther King Jr

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The art of speech making is a vital requirement for humans, allowing us the ability to “influence thought and behaviour” in various ways. With the right combination of words, rhetoric techniques, style and tone, speeches have the capability to create change in an individual or society. Our use of words have become our “most powerful tool” to address or even create issues. Throughout history we are confronted with various speeches that have successfully grasped on the issues and values of their historical context, developing meanings that are relevant in both contemporary and modern day audiences. Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ and Martin Luther King Junior’s ‘I Have a Dream’ both revolve around the issue of race, challenging their intended audiences on their perceptions of the considered other. With racism still a recurring challenge; it is these effective speeches that have provided awareness on this controversial topic ultimately achieving the purposes of both Shakespeare and King. The capacity of speeches can be seen through its impact on human emotions and its capability to change the thought patterns of its audience. This is …show more content…

The speech included a metaphorical ‘check’ that described the inequality and “insufficient funds” between black and white citizens. The image of the check appealed to King’s audiences, creating a platform in which all black Americans can understand and relate. Martin Luther King used inclusive language throughout his speech, uniting his audience by referring to the words “we” and “my

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