Question

Euchner provides background info on historic events and biblical allusions included in "I have a dream" speech. Identify one example and explain how it helped you better understand the speech.

Answer 1

One of the biblical allusions is Galatians 3:8 which states that every person must be treated the same as others cause they are "one in Christ Jesus" no matter the differences. This helped to see clear support for equality and gives light into what this speech was talking about

Answer 2

One of the historical events that Martin Luther King Jr. discusses in his speech is the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He argues that, when this was signed, a whole range of rights and duties fell upon every American citizen. He argues that, for African Americans, this was equivalent to a check that could not be cashed due to "insufficient funds."

The reference allows us to place the civil rights movement within this historical context. King argues that, even though equality and the pursuit of happiness are promised in the document, Black Americans do not have access to it. It helps the reader better understand the grievances that African Americans complain about.