What figurative language does Martin Luther King use in his speech? In that speech, MLK Jr. used several different types of figurative language/rhetorical devices in order to convey his message to the people on a deeper level. These devices include
personification, allusion, symbolism, hyperbole, metaphor, simile, and anaphora
.
How does MLK use simile in his speech?
“we will not be satisfied until “justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” This simile enhances the speech because
it shows how much justice and righteousness MLK jr. wants
.
Is there personification in I have a dream speech?
King uses personification to bring the point down to a human level
. Throughout the section, he describes ‘the Negro’ (the preferred term for African Americans in 1963) as a single person, but one who stands in for all black people.
What are some examples of figurative language in the I have a dream speech?
“
Until Justice Rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream”
This is a simile because MLK Jr. is comparing Justice rolling down LIKE water. He is also comparing righteousness like a mighty stream. This means that Justice will be like a mighty stream and will be everywhere.
What rhetorical devices did Mr King use in his speech to create an impact?
I Have A Dream The use of
extended metaphor, parallelism, and antithesis
are rhetorical techniques that impact Martin Luther King Jr’s speech by helping shape his argument. King used these devices to not only grab the attention of his audience but to also share his beliefs.
By using nature imagery in his speech, King is setting himself up for success. Studies show that African Americans, on average, tend to be less educated than Caucasians in America. Rather than using fancy rhetoric,
King sticks to basic images and symbols with which even the most uneducated follower can relate
.
Alliteration and Assonance
King uses alliteration in one of his most famous lines, “
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
”
Figurative language makes meaning by
asking the reader or listener to understand something by virtue of its relation to some other thing, action, or image
. Figurative language can be contrasted with literal language, which describes something explicitly rather than by reference to something else.
Martin Luther King Jr., used ethos in his speech, “I Have a Dream”
to build on trust and connections with the audience
. He made the audience know he knew exactly what was going on currently with their struggles and racism issues.
Allusion Examples
Martin Luther King, Jr. used the phrase “
Five score years ago
…” in his “I Have a Dream” speech. This is a reference to President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, which originally began with “Four score and seven years ago…” As you can see, King’s phrasing is a subtle reference, hence an allusion!
Any time your writing goes beyond the actual meanings of your words, you’re using figurative language. This allows the reader to gain new insights into your work. While there are 12 common types, the five main branches of the figurative tree include
metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, and symbolism
.
How does King use figurative language to express the idea that, though the journey is long and difficult, the civil rights movement will eventually be victorious?
He refers to the “tortuous road” and “a super highway of justice.”
Allusion Examples
Martin Luther King, Jr. used the phrase “
Five score years ago
…” in his “I Have a Dream” speech. This is a reference to President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, which originally began with “Four score and seven years ago…” As you can see, King’s phrasing is a subtle reference, hence an allusion!
Figurative language makes meaning by
asking the reader or listener to understand something by virtue of its relation to some other thing, action, or image
. Figurative language can be contrasted with literal language, which describes something explicitly rather than by reference to something else.
