1. I have a dream- Literary analysis
Do it Now: Get the speech out and on your desk

2. Alliteration Rise from the dark and desolate
The marvelous new militiancy
Trials and tribulations
Citizens of color are concerned
Symbolic shadow we stand today signed
Capital to cash a check
The color of their skin but the content of their character

3. symbolism Light = freedom Night = enslavement – lack of freedom
Valley = injustice
Shadow = injustice, enslavement
Stones = hope
Summer = injustice
Autumn = freedom & equality

4. chronology Five score years ago A hundred years later
Now is the time -1963
One day
today

5. Personification America has given the negro a bad check
This nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed
America defaulted on this promissory note

6. metaphor Joyous daybreak to end long night of captivity
Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in this vast ocean of prosperity
Rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice
The sweltering summer of negro’s legitimate discontent ….autumn of equality
Sweltering with the heat of oppression
Oasis of freedom and justice

7. Extended metaphors Promissory note and check Insufficient funds
bankruptcy

8. allusions Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address
Life, liberty, & happiness – Declaration of Independence
Numerous biblical allusions -

9. Repetition- sets the tone of hope
Freedom – 20 times THE DREAM
We – 30 times INCLUSIVE TO ALL
Our 17 times INCLUSIVE TO ALL
Nation 10 times INCLUSIVE TO ALL
America 5 times & American 4 times INCLUSIVE TO ALL
Justice 8 times
Injustice 3 times
Dream 11 times PURPOSE

10. Discuss at your table & prepare an answer
Nearly every line of King's speech is filled with powerful images, or "mental pictures," many created by using figures of speech. Images help audiences to feel what speakers/writers want them to feel, help them remember what they have read or heard, and help them understand difficult material. Be prepared to discuss which of King's images you find most powerful and appealing and explain why this image had meaning for you.