Martin Luther King Jr. (Reverend and Doctor) speaks out in “I Have a Dream” to highlight the need for America’s end to racism. King’s purpose was to demonstrate the necessity of equality between African Americans (Whites) and to show how racism adversely affects their receivers. His message is positive and optimistic, and he uses it to inspire his listeners.

King opens his speech comparing the promises America made to its forefathers and what they actually got. King compares America’s Declaration’s promise, “Life Liberty and the pursuit for Happiness,” to a check. He then builds on this analogy to anger America for not keeping its promise. King’s speech grabs attention and triggers anger at America for not fulfilling its promise to African-Americans. King says that lack of urgency is “fatal” and that the activists and Negro people will not rest until there’s an “invigorating Autumn of freedom, equality”, and that they “must reach the majestic heights to meet physical force with spirit force.” These statements are used to emphasize that change is on the horizon, and that it is happening quickly. King also appeals for the audience’s pride calling the act or pacifism a “majestic” and giving them a direction, a way, and a deadline within which to end the tyranny.

King finishes his speech by verbally painting his harmonious vision for both the White and Negro communities. King uses the now iconic line, “I have dreams,” to begin each statement. It is one of today’s most popular and revered lines. . He uses topics, parallelism and grandiose orates to inspire and offer hope to the nation’s most oppressed. King’s outpouring of emotions allows him to connect with the audience. He also helps them visualize the day when “little black boys will be able to work with little white guys and white girls as brothers and sisters.”

King uses powerful oration, charged language, analogies, and other means to incite the masses and give them a voice to make a difference. King is able to use this speech to inspire change through his varied rhetorical skills.

michaellang

Michael Lang is a 33-year-old professor and blogger who is passionate about writing. He has been blogging for over 7 years and has written for various online publications. Michael is also a seasoned professor who has taught at the college level for over a decade. He is currently a professor of English at a community college in the Midwest.