MLK rhetoric analysis :D

Question 1

How does the use of imperative/challenging tone in MLK’s speech reinforce his purpose?

Answer 1

• A commonality with ‘thoughts from within’
• “And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights”
• Shows urgency, commands the attention of others
• Continuous use of imagery - “when will you be satisfied?” his challenging tone talks of overcoming police brutality, death, racism etc. to highlight the extent of prejudice
• he paves a path where their ‘thirst for freedom’ is not contradictory, where they resort to violence, hate and bitterness
• He wants to combat physical force with soul force, so peaceful resistance. This new idea, of peaceful resistance if voiced by his distinctive voice amongst all the other violent voices.
• Continuous use of imagery - “when will you be satisfied?” his challenging tone talks of overcoming police brutality, death, racism etc. to highlight the extent of prejudice

Question 2

‘great beacon light of hope’

What does this represent?

Answer 2

Emancipation Proclamation

Question 3

Give examples and explanations in his speech that portray the focal theme of racism.

Answer 3

• ‘crippled’ use of term shows the extent of degradation towards black people
• Use of imagery, as the ‘negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of the corners of american society’ it reinforces the extent of isolation they feel as a result of such discrimination

Question 4

Explain the cheque metaphor

Answer 4

• The cheque is a metaphor for the declaration of independence, white people are able to cash in on this ‘cheque’ whereas black people are given ‘a bad cheque … marked insufficient funds’ insufficient funds meaning they lack the qualities (metaphorically money) to gain such rights
• metaphor of banks and cheques continue, ‘the bank of justice is bankrupt’ there is a lacking of justice and equality in the world

Question 5

How is the renowned phrase ‘I have a dream’ used?

Answer 5

• Anaphora of “I have a dream” exalts his political, religious, social hope for the future where socialisation between former slaves and sons of former slave owners (juxtaposition there) occurs