Rhetorical Devices in MLK Jr.'s Speech "I Have a Dream"

Which rhetorical device is used in the following excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech?

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

• simile

• metaphor

• alliteration

• hyperbole

Answer explanation

The correct rhetorical device used in the excerpt is a metaphor because it compares the nation rising up to live out its creed to the idea of all men being created equal.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What is the primary purpose of the following rhetorical device used in Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech?

"Let us not wallow in the valley of despair."

• To create a vivid image

• To evoke an emotional response

• To emphasize a contrast

• To appeal to logic

Answer explanation

The phrase "valley of despair" is a metaphorical expression that conveys a sense of hopelessness and sadness. By using this imagery, King aims to evoke an emotional response from the audience, emphasizing the urgency of moving beyond despair towards hope and progress. Therefore, the primary purpose of this rhetorical device is to evoke an emotional response.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

In Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, which rhetorical device is used in the following statement?

"Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice."

• anaphora

• alliteration

• metaphor

• parallelism

Answer explanation

The phrase "dark and desolate valley of segregation" is a metaphor comparing segregation to a valley, which conveys the idea of oppression and hardship.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Which of the following statements best describes the effect of the rhetorical device used in the following excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech?

"With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope."

• It emphasizes the speaker's determination and resolve.

• It creates a vivid visual image in the audience's mind.

• It appeals to the audience's sense of logic and reason.

• It evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing.

Answer explanation

The metaphor of "hewing out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope" emphasizes the speaker's determination to overcome obstacles and achieve progress.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

How does Martin Luther King Jr.'s use of rhetorical devices contribute to the overall effectiveness of his speech "I Have a Dream"?

• By engaging the audience emotionally and inspiring them to action

• By providing historical context and factual evidence to support his arguments

• By entertaining the audience with clever wordplay and humor

• By confusing the audience with complex language and symbolism

Answer explanation

Martin Luther King Jr.'s use of rhetorical devices such as metaphors, repetition, and vivid imagery helps engage the audience emotionally, making his message more compelling and inspiring them to take action towards achieving racial equality.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4