Martin Luther King 2 Essay, Research Paper
“I Have a Dream” by Dr. Martin Luther King is a superiorly written and moving speech, because it plays on the reader’s sense of fairplay and their emotions. Dr. King describes his dream with such vigor and attention to detail that the reader cannot help to see and seriously consider King’s point of view. Using captivating words and phrases King grabs the reader’s attention and holds it until the end.
Dr. King speaks of many of the racial prejudices and persecutions that they, African Americans, have suffered. Throughout the speech King uses the phrase “Now is the time ” (502) , this makes the reader feel King’s view has utmost urgency. Dr. King stands strong on his view of non-violent protests saying, “Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.” (503) Dr. King tells the listener not to give up under pressure but to persevere because the day will come when King’s dream is recognized. Dr. King’s dream is ” a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.” In his speech Dr. King hopes to persuade the “Great America” to abolish all racial prejudice.
Dr. King uses many different but effective methods to convince the reader of his point. King uses the words from an old Negro spiritual, the famous line, “Free at last! free at last! Thank God almighty, we are free at last!” (505) This phrase serves as an exclamation point on an emotional speech that is sure to deeply move the reader. King quotes the song “America the Beautiful” stating that he wants everyone to sing it with new meaning. In his speech King comes across as a persecuted African American who wants a change for all. The voice King uses starts of as a soft but firm whisper then it gradually builds with the message it carries until it is the full roaring voice of freedom at the end.
Dr. King presents his arguments in a very original way. King focuses on the reader’s sense of right and wrong and goes on to appeal to the reader’s emotions. The speech is not as important today as when it was written in 1963; but it still serves as an important reminder. King’s argument is limited to a small audience in a sense but in day-to-day living comes into racial prejudice, either given or taken. Dr. King’s speech had to be on a level for the common people to completely understand it. He does this by relating himself with the crowd and by using common speech. Overall his argument moves the reader, it makes them fell really human. After reading King’s speech the reader realizes we’re all the same and there is no need for racial persecution. King has written an argument that has such lasting appeal that it is imperative that the reader reread King’s speech ever so often to rekindle their heartfelt conscience.