<u>Analysis on how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. uses argument techniques to achieve his purpose in his speech "I Have a Dream":</u>
‘I Have a Dream’ uses argument techniques that appeal to the emotion , reason, and trust of the general public.
The writer uses techniques like alliteration, allusion, amplification, repetition, contrasting imagery, parallel phrasing all have been used to carry a public appeal, to stir emotions to the desired extent.
The alliteration in ‘sweltering summer of Negro’s discontent’ and ‘bank of justice is bankrupt’ make the audience feel the emotion of oppression in the first and the critical situation in the second.
Allusion to the ‘promissory note’ , ‘Emancipation Proclamation’ and also quotes from ‘Free at Last’ add to the emotional whirlwind the writer wants to generate.
The speech is replete with Repetition. Anaphora in ‘I Have a Dream….’, ‘Let Freedom ring….’, ‘Now is the time….’ , provokes and incites action.
Parallel phrasing in ‘We will be able to work together , to pray together , to struggle together….’ Generates an emotion of brotherhood and a vision of a harmonious future.
Amplification in ‘…a bad check , a check….’ adds emphasis to the injustice being talked about in the speech. Contrasting imagery employed in expressions like dark and desolate… to the sunlit path….’ and many others overwhelm the audience with hope of a better future.
Lyricism in ‘Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride, From every mountainside….’ Echoes in the heart of all.
