MLK Speech Pt 1
The main focus of King’s speech is on
Ending segregation and racial injustice in America
King’s “I Have a Dream” speech appeals mainly to listeners’
Desire for a better future
In “I Have a Dream,” Martin Luther King, Jr. urges his followers to
demand equality and justice now
Which repeated phrase in King’s speech has additional power because it is from a familiar patriotic song?
let freedom ring
In paragraphs four and five, Dr. King uses an analogy to illustrate America's broken promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to "her citizens of color." What is this analogy?
A promissory note--a check that has come back marked "insufficient funds"
MLK's speech does not incorporate
thanks to distinguished guests
MLK is convinced that:
the struggle must continue
In the second paragraph of the speech (beginning "Five score years ago . . ."), which extended metaphor does Dr. King introduce?
Light (day) and darkness (night)
By linking the occasion of his speech to the Emancipation Proclamation and by using biblical language (reminding listeners that he is a minister), Dr. King defines his personal authority, thus helping to establish
his ethos or ethical appeal
In paragraph 11 of the speech (beginning "I am not unmindful . . .), Dr. King addresses those in the audience who have been unjustly imprisoned and who have been "battered by . . . police brutality." What advice does Dr. King offer to these people?
Return home and continue to work for justice
Toward the end of the speech, in the paragraphs beginning with the now-famous phrase "I have a dream," Dr. King mentions certain members of his own family. Why does he do this?
To connect with his audience as a fellow parent and have them think of their own children
Why did Dr. King quote "My country, 'tis of thee"?
To make a patriotic appeal to his audience
At the end of his speech, Dr. King repeatedly calls out, "Let freedom ring." Why did he do this?
To emphasize that his speech is about freedom, justice, and equality, not just politics. To help him to show that freedom needs to come from all areas - not only from the North but also the South. To show that African-Americans were asking only for freedom, which was given to other citizens, and not special privileges. To appeal emotionally to his audience
When and where did Dr. King deliver this speech (I Have a Dream)?
On August 23, 1963, at the climax of a march from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
Parallel to the famous refrain that appears toward the end of his speech (and which serves as its title) is an anaphora in the third paragraph. (An anaphora is the repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of the successive clauses). Identify this early refrain.
One hundred years later.
In paragraph nine of the speech (beginning "The marvelous new militancy.."), Dr. King says that "many of our white brothers... have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom." Define the adverb "inetricably."
Unable to be separated or untied.
At the end of his speech, Dr. King repeatedly calls out, "Let freedom ring." Which one of the following locations does he not name in this part of the speech?
The Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York.
Which of the following metaphors does Dr. King NOT use?
He compares African-Americans to slaves, and all other races to slave owners
In paragraph (5), King uses the extended metaphor of a check to...
Explain that America must keep its promises of freedom for all people.
How does King appeal to the emotions of his audience?
He uses repetition and parallelism to create rhythm.