1. “I Have a Dream” Analysis questions for Martin Luther King, Jr’s Iconic Speech Please answer the following questions using textual evidence to support your answers.
What is Dr. King’s purpose for giving this speech? Does he achieve his purpose effectively? Why/why not?
How do Dr. King’s speaking techniques influence impact the meaning of his words? Do his speaking techniques make the speech more effective? How?
Dr. King makes biblical allusions and refers to a “negro spiritual” in this speech. Why?
Dr. King frequently speaks in metaphors in this speech. Which of Dr. King’s metaphors stands out to you the most? Why? What does the metaphor mean and how does he use that metaphor to further his goal or purpose for the speech?
Copyright Literacy Across the Curriculum, Katrina Groen 2013

2. “I Have a Dream” Analysis questions for Martin Luther King, Jr’s Iconic Speech Please answer the following questions using textual evidence to support your answers.
Think about the opening line of the speech and the location the speech was given. Why is this important? How does it contribute to the speech’s overall purpose?
Dr. King uses repetition often in this speech. Why ? What is he trying to accomplish? Reference a specific example in your answer.
Many people wanted to fight racism and Jim Crow laws with violence. How does Dr. King respond to this ? Is his response effective? Defend your answer.
Copyright Literacy Across the Curriculum, Katrina Groen 2013