Rhetoric in "I Have A Dream"

Several Rhetorical Techniques

• Allusions for credibility
• Imagery and Metaphor
• Contrast of ideas
• Repetition of key ideas

References significant historical events (Allusions) to give weight and credibility.

Gettysburg Address
Emancipation Proclamation
Bible Verses

Metaphor and imagery create strong, memorable images. Not a boring speech, anymore!

"We will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope."

Contrast: show what an idea is by what it is not

"With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood."

Repetition of important ideas helps people remember. And adds rhythm and flow to the speech.

"Now is the time"

Powerful rhetoric makes