Literary Devices Dr. King's I Have a Dream Speech

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What is a simile?

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A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'. For example, 'as brave as a lion'.

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What is an anaphora?

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An anaphora is a rhetorical device that involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. For example, in Dr. King's speech, 'I have a dream' is repeated.

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What is a metaphor?

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A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'. For example, 'Time is a thief'.

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What is an allusion?

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An allusion is a reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of art. It is often used to provide context or deeper meaning.

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Identify a literary device used in Dr. King's speech: 'I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up.'

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This sentence uses anaphora, as the phrase 'I have a dream' is repeated.

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Identify a literary device used in Dr. King's speech: 'The Negro is still languished in the corners of American society.'

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This sentence uses a metaphor, comparing the state of African Americans to being trapped in a corner.

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Identify a literary device used in Dr. King's speech: 'Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.'

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This sentence uses a metaphor, comparing freedom to a drink and bitterness and hatred to a cup.

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What is the purpose of using literary devices in speeches?

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Literary devices enhance the emotional impact, create rhythm, and make the message more memorable.

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What is the effect of using similes in speeches?

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Similes create vivid imagery and help the audience relate to the speaker's message by comparing it to familiar concepts.

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How does anaphora contribute to the rhythm of a speech?

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Anaphora creates a musical quality and emphasizes the repeated phrases, making the speech more persuasive and impactful.