Read the following excerpts and consider the use of explicit and implicit rhetoric in these two excerpts. In a one-to-two paragr
aph response, evaluate the use and effectiveness of explicit and implicit discourse in these excerpts. In your opinion, which of these two excerpts conveys the author’s point of view more effectively to the reader? Can you identify examples of implicit and explicit claims? Cite evidence from the text to support your response.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s metaphor paints a more powerful visual picture of inequality. He uses charged words and imagery to influence his audience. The phrase “withering injustice” details the state of African Americans in the face of the injustice that they face in the United States. King uses imagery to paint the negative points of reality as well as the equitable dreams he has for society. The phrase “joyous daybreak” gives the passage a rather optimistic tone as it provides a contrast to the phrase “the long night of captivity” that African Americans have faced. The words manacle and chainscreate images in the minds of his audience that emphasize the restrictions that have been imposed upon African Americans.
Both authors use implicit and explicit views. For example, King implicitly states, “One hundred years later, the life of the colored American is still sadly crippled by the manacle of segregation and the chains of discrimination.” He uses a metaphor to highlight implicitly the gross inequality suffered by African Americans. On the other hand, Baldwin directly and explicitly states his views to the reader, “Let me spell out precisely what I mean by that, for the heart of the matter is here, and the root of my dispute with my country.”
Martin Luther King Jr.'s metaphor paints a more powerful visual picture of inequality. He uses charged words and imagery to influence his audience. The phrase “withering injustice” details the state of African Americans in the face of the injustice that they face in the United States. King uses imagery to paint the negative points of reality as well as the equitable dreams he has for society. The phrase “joyous daybreak” gives the passage a rather optimistic tone as it provides a contrast to the phrase “the long night of captivity” that African Americans have faced. The words manacle and chains create images in the minds of his audience that emphasize the restrictions that have been imposed upon African Americans.
Both authors use implicit and explicit views. For example, King implicitly states, “One hundred years later, the life of the colored American is still sadly crippled by the manacle of segregation and the chains of discrimination.” He uses a metaphor to highlight implicitly the gross inequality suffered by African Americans. On the other hand, Baldwin directly and explicitly states his views to the reader, “Let me spell out precisely what I mean by that, for the heart of the matter is here, and the root of my dispute with my country.”
