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Structure:
MLK Jr. begins from a global perspective. Using historical occurrences from throughout the past,
King is able to emphasize his overall point: that overcoming seemingly unalterable circumstances
is possible, and has been proven possible throughout history. By narrowing in on the specific issue
he is in Memphis to discuss, the audience is able to relate this task to the battles of their ancestors
and their triumphant victories.
“I'm happy to live in this period is that we have been forced to a point where we are going
to have to grapple with the problems that men have been trying to grapple with through
history, but the demands didn't force them to do it. Survival demands that we grapple with
them.” This quote illustrates the idea that these issues are deep rooted in the world’s
history, and that if they are not dealt with, the possibility of a peaceful society is severely
hampered. By discussing the failure to alleviate societal tension in times past, King
emphasizes the urgency in doing so now.
“And also in the human rights revolution, if something isn't done, and done in a hurry, to
bring the colored peoples of the world out of their long years of poverty, their long years of
hurt and neglect, the whole world is doomed. Now, I'm just happy that God has allowed me
to live in this period to see what is unfolding.” This quotation reaffirms King’s call to
action. Suggesting that time is of the essence, King is able to instill in his audience a sense of
fear in regards to the future of colored peoples in the following years.
But whenever the slaves get together, something happens in Pharaoh's court, and he
cannot hold the slaves in slavery. When the slaves get together, that's the beginning of
getting out of slavery. Now let us maintain unity.” This quote emphasizes the importance
of unity among the people in correcting this injustice. It is extremely relevant to the speech,
and beautifully employs a historical analogy to show a relationship between the past,
discussed earlier in his speech, and the present.
Argument:
It is time to abandon the misguided preconceptions society has held close for centuries. The
notions of a class system based on race have plagued the nation, and if the people’s revolt did not
continue, the Nation would be irreparably damaged.
Audience/How they’re introduced:
The audience includes any, and all, citizens, who have suffered, or object to the suffering inflicted,
at the hands of their oppressors. While a large majority of this argument is tailored towards the
individuals who have undergone these injustices, the speech calls to America as a whole. Reaching
two different depths, this speech calls to those experiencing oppression and pleads to those
inflicting it. Conveying to the reader his target audience, MLK Jr. includes himself in his call to
action. By including the pronoun, “we”, MLK Jr. indicates those whom he is mainly targeting can
identify with the characteristics he posses.
Rewrite:
Original Passage: Now we're going to march again, and we've got to march again, in order
to put the issue where it is supposed to be -- and force everybody to see that there are
thirteen hundred of God's children here suffering, sometimes going hungry, going through
dark and dreary nights wondering how this thing is going to come out. That's the issue. And
we've got to say to the nation: We know how it's coming out. For when people get caught
up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, there is no stopping point
short of victory.
Rewritten: Now we are going to face this battle once more; this battle that thus far cannot
be won. We have exhausted all methods to prove the suffering of our people, and they have
been repeatedly ignored. They do not care of our injustices, but seek to prevail white
supremacy at all cost. Fighting this cause promises additional sacrifice, but not inevitable
success.
Analysis:
This speech employs pathos more than any other rhetoric, in my opinion. While the use of logic
and specific examples is structurally beneficial to the argument, the motivation instilled in his
listeners derives from King’s ability to put his audiences shared emotions and suffering into
words. Specifically, his ability to elegantly draw relation between the relationship of Pharaohs and
slaves in the past explores the necessity of unity among the oppressed. This example is beneficial
in many ways however, for the use of the term “slave” is automatically associated with a
gruesome, unjust time in American history. This comparison forces listeners to examine their own
experiences and recognize that, even though slavery is dead, the root of the problem is still very
much alive. All speechwriters could learn the importance of elegantly employing different types of
rhetoric in speechwriting. King uses logos to employ pathos. King does not overwhelm people
with statistics and facts, but recounts stories from history that make his speech both relatable and
motivational.