Martin Luther King Jr. prints August 28, 1963 as a historical landmark of equality for black Americans, ironically in the Lincoln Memorial. Not only did King proclaim equality, but the format in which his speech was composed influenced writers for decades to come. King states that the speech is “the greatest demonstration of freedom,” but analysis of his use of figurative language must be considered. All the rhetorical devices, exaggerations, allusions, metaphors, and repetitions help make the speech more effective for many Americans. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayKing constructs the "I Have a Dream" speech directly for black Americans where they lack true freedom of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. King makes sure to stir the emotions of Black Americans by using constant metaphors that convey the hardships that only Black citizens face. For example, King continually states that even after one hundred years, Negroes are still not free and that they live on an island of poverty. With this statement the audience screamed, because they feel the isolation of poverty in a “free country”. Although white citizens were present at the presentation of King's speech, its purpose was to elicit a correlation with the truth that blacks face. Throughout the speech, King uses the rhetorical device of Ethos to persuade his audience in his proposal for equality. King uses historical examples to support his proposals; therefore, he uses allusions to evoke an understanding of his metaphorical references. For example, King references the Declaration of Independence in which it was a promissory note for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Since King used a historical fact, his proposition of equality is well supported and King's persuasion is well believed. King then connects to the metaphor of “cashing a check” to allow the audience to see the reversal of the promise of the Declaration of Independence. The constant use of historical references, or evidence, makes the audience trust in what it has to offer. . Although King uses his credibility to persuade the reader, his use of figurative language inspired his audience to persuasion, giving birth to the Pathos rhetorical method. King continually refers to God-related allusions. Whenever faith was mentioned, the crowd went crazy. King also brought up the common emotion that most parents face, which is protecting their children. King states, “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” This quote plays an important role in the speech by conquering the sensitivity of the public, leading them to trust his statements. If a writer raises and lowers his or her voice to highlight a crucial point, the audience suddenly becomes attentive to what the writer has to say. King uses it in his speech by raising his voice, as if he were praising a Sunday morning. King also pauses for brief seconds, as if allowing the information to sink in, waiting for a reaction. These small details influence the audience by making them understand how effective King's statements are. The audience felt the melancholic tone spread throughout the Lincoln Memorial, how sad our country had become and what they could do to change it. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get custom essayEvery break.