Listen to the excerpt and identify the use of Ethos, Pathos, Logos, and any rhetorical devices.
Ethos:
King’s credibility as a civil rights leader.
Pathos:
Emotional appeal through the vision of a better future.
Logos:
Logical arguments for equality and justice.
Rhetorical Devices:
Anaphora in the repetition of 'I have a dream.'
Ethos
Explanation:
Dr. King’s credibility as a leader of the civil rights movement is evident in his role as a moral authority. His status as a preacher and leader gives weight to his words.
Example:
Dr. King references his personal connection to the American Dream and his vision for the future, establishing his ethical appeal.
Pathos
Explanation:
Dr. King’s speech is rich with emotional appeal, particularly through the imagery of his dream and the future he envisions for his children.
Example:
The line, "I have a dream that my four little 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," evokes strong emotions by highlighting the innocence of children and the hope for a better future.
Logos
Explanation:
Dr. King uses logical reasoning by referencing the Declaration of Independence, which states, "all men are created equal." This appeals to the shared values and principles that the nation was founded upon.
Example:
The logical argument is found in his assertion that the nation should "rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed," pointing to a logical conclusion that the country must fulfill its promise of equality.
Rhetorical Devices
Anaphora:
The repetition of "I have a dream" at the beginning of several sentences creates a rhythm and reinforces his vision.
Imagery:
Phrases like "the red hills of Georgia" and "sweltering with the heat of injustice" paint vivid pictures that enhance the emotional impact.
Parallelism:
The balanced structure of phrases like "sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners" adds to the speech's poetic quality and emphasizes unity.