Speech analysis "I have a dream" by Martin Luther King

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to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. He then demonstrates the significance of this dream based on the first day, which will be directed according to these ideas. At the end of his speech, Martin Luther King spreads hope that if people change something now, the dream of freedom and equality is no longer far. It is notable that Martin Luther King's speech is not based on an argumentative structure. It mostly contains facts, and many examples to illustrate the situation of black people as well as his ideal dream. His speech is nevertheless very convincing and continues to inspire many people. He captivates the audience with his emotional speech and often involves them. His speech is therefore very subjective and pictorial. His use of the Anaphora "100 years later..." (II.6-9) in the first paragraph intensifies the feeling within the listeners that the Negro had to live under bad conditions for a very long time. In addition, the necessity of change becomes clearer. In the following Martin Luther King continues to use personal pronouns like "We must forever (...)" (II.17), "(...) their destiny is tied up with our destiny" (1.21) or "I am happy to join with you today (...)" (1.1) which makes the listener feel directly involved because the speaker identifies with his audience and builds up one equal community. Because this event is used as the superlative "(...) the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.", it is picked up as an important event in which one has participated. The metaphor "flames of withering injustice" (1.5) creates an image standing for the end of slavery and reminds the people of what was finally achieved until now. But for example, the Hypophora "When will you be satisfied?" (11.22-23) which is answered in the following lines, demonstrates that there is still racial inequality, and it has not ended with the civil war. Martin Luther King makes clear that therefore, because the American people will only be satisfied if "Justice" (1.33) is spread over America, something needs to change. Through his announcement of his dream based on the American Dream "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." (II.36-51) and his illustrative examples like the metaphor "(...) an oasis of freedom and justice" (1.42) as well as the statement "And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true." (1.51-52) he gives the impression of people being able to create the ideal future with freedom for everyone. The final appeal "let freedom ring" (II.52-59) which is also a metaphor, standing for the beginning to change for equality and freedom, draws attention to the current action to finally achieve freedom in America. Because of the many appeals like "we must (...) or "let freedom ring" (II.52-59) the importance of change remains clear through Martin Luther King's speech. In addition the repetition " (We are) free at last" (1.62) with which the speech ends, burns into people's minds and contributes the expected result of America ruled by freedom and equality for all mankind. Martin Luther King uses sublime language as well as intonations to express and underline the importance of his message in his different announcements. He talks about the past, injustice, right and about the future as well as what needs to be changed to meet the expectations of a free America. He spreads hope through the prospect of long-awaited justice. But still reminds the people that therefore change is needed. With this speech Martin Luther King made a decisive contribution to the desegregation in the USA.