Rhetorical Analysis of I has a Dream Speech by Martin Luther King Jr. (Other (Not Listed) Sample)

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Rhetorical Analysis of I has a Dream Speech by Martin Luther King Jr.
Abstract
The speech "I have a Dream" by Dr. Martin Luther King was viewed as an icebreaker during the heated differences between the Americans and the African Americans in the 1960s. The speech was given at a period when the blacks were facing infinite series of injustices, and as a result, they suffered from the racial segregation. Therefore, according to King's well known famous speech, "I Have a Dream," which was delivered in the year 1963 in Washinton D.C., was to describe a better America further. According to Luther's speech, a ‘better America' meant a nation that had freed itself from racial discrimination against the black people. The leather speech begins with an illustration of the historical context of several injustices done against the black people as a result of their dark skin color. Dr. Martin Luther's introduction in his speech not only creates a foundation for delivering the first statement about the Americans and the black people but also paints a picture of the people he desires to see in the future. This paper shall evaluate the well known political "I Have a Dream speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr through the rhetorical analysis. The examination will be done through the driving Heuristic speech which entailed various social constructions and paradigms such ethos, logos, and pathos.
Introduction
Studies show that speakers can persuade through logos, ethos or pathos combined. The Aristotle shows that for a speech to be to touch its listener's soul it has to have to engage both non-rationale and rationale. Firstly, credibility must be seen through the speaker's speech by appearing as honest, open-minded and knowledgeable through the use of ethos. Secondly, the speaker must have a logical appeal and valid arguments based on either personal experiences, facts or and observations through the use of logos. Finally, the speaker must draw and hold the attention of the audience by making an emotional appeal through an emotional connection or by use Pathos. Therefore, in Luther’s case, we see the use of the three persuading to deliver a heartwarming speech by Dr.Luther King was a mark of hope for a new era of the historic black people.
However, there have been tremendous changes since King’s speech to a multitude of people. Nonetheless, the fights began by Luther are still not over. To date, the African Americans always fight for their rights to equality. However, Martin Luther diverted the thought pattern of the majority by persuading a majority to find logic in togetherness and unity through non-violence. King dreamt of a brighter future where both Americans and African Americans shared the same space and social circle that is free of discrimination.
If millions of people willingly followed Martin Luther and joined him in his fight or war against discrimination, then the reason is viewed as his rhetoric where they could see hope and inspiration. We shall consider the rhetorical analysis in the three elements of speech that primarily focuses on the pathos, ethos, and logos to analyze where the power and charm of his speech lies. On the 28th of August, 1963, at the Washinton D.C., Martin Luther King delivered this speech at the Lincoln Memorial.
Ethos
The use of ethos is seen where Martin Luther begins by saying that he is happy to join the masses. According to him, that particular day would be noted as the most profound moment that will be pointed out in the books of history as the most significant demonstration of freedom in their nation. King expresses his joy at the outset and establishes the tone of his speech with these first lines. He uses pathos and logos in the initial lines to connect with his audience. His happiness is the reflection of the strength that comes from being the leader of the masses lends him, and the logic for which he is standing there is freedom. After these lines, he shifts the focus to both American history and nations foundation.
The ethos part of the speech is viewed through his reference to Lincoln and the Amerian history to establish a form of credibility in his remarks. Luther's point of reference comes from the signed act of goodwill and the emancipation proclamation. Although the actions of Lincoln meant hope, unfortunately, none of his words was put into effect. Also, in the latter parts of his speech he refers to the Founders of the American nation and points out their activities as well as their intentions as a way of showing the credibility of his remarks. According to Luther, their countries happy dream had not yet come to fulfillment. To quote Luther's words "When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir."
Pathos
Luther King uses pathos speech to engage his audience emotionall...