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  • Essay / Rhetorical Devices, Pathos, Ethos, and Logos in the “I Have a Dream” Speech

    On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered a speech to thousands of people. This speech would become the most famous speech in history, it is known as the "I Have a Dream" speech. In this speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. outlined his views on segregation at one of the most important civil rights rallies in history. King's intentions were to recognize that racism must end and African Americans must gain civil and economic rights. King was able to describe his ideology using rhetorical devices: pathos, ethos, and logos, which allowed his audience to hear, connect, and fully engage with his message. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The speech was delivered with great passion that makes the audience feel determined and stay engaged. The use of pathos creates a compassionate yet thought-provoking atmosphere. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. uses his own desire for the American dream to allow the audience to identify with his message. This allows its audience to identify with a mutual desire among people, that we all deserve freedom. The phrase “Now is the time…” was repeated several times throughout the speech, making the audience feel motivated to take action. King uses his personal example as a father to emphasize that he only wants the best for his children. People who are parents like King will associate themselves with him as a father and the aspirations of parents for their children. This example demonstrates the knowledge and credibility of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy and his standing with the people to achieve the best for all Americans. King begins his speech by providing an overview of his vision for a future that includes freedom. , non-discrimination and lasting happiness. In his speech, King frequently returns to moments in American history and references the leaders who laid the foundation for a free America. This adds a philosophy to his speech. However, King's speech is also rich in imagery, and his sentences often paint a portrait of a beautiful, dreamlike nation where unity and peace abound. King dreamed of a cohesive society that would not easily fall prey to discrimination or remain divided along color lines. King's greatest disgust is that the promises made during Lincoln's time never came true and instead African Americans were given only false promises. His reference to the Emancipation Proclamation and its promises also adds an ethical appeal to the speech. Throughout the speech, King references a credible source, former President Abraham Lincoln. He goes on to state that he is grateful for the remarkable abolition of slavery and acknowledges the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. He also continually references the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He states that time and again they refuse to keep their promises to the people. Using these references allows your audience to trust and respect what you are offering. Martin Luther King uses logos to persuade his audience to fight for equality. King is referring to the Emancipation Proclamation which abolished slavery, freeing all slaves. However, he asserts that “the Negro is still not free.” He proves this by referencing segregation and police brutality against African Americans. Another one.20)