I Have a Dream - Figurative Language Examples

Questions and Answers

What is an example of alliteration from the speech?

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check.

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. (correct)

We are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until 'justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.'

MLK describes Mississippi as a 'state sweltering' with racism. (correct)

Which of the following is a simile from the speech?

We are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until 'justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.' (correct)

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check.

The end of slavery was a 'joyous daybreak.'

I have a dream.

What is a repeated phrase in the speech?

MLK describes Mississippi as a 'state sweltering' with racism.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check.

Describing slavery as '[searing] in the flames of withering injustice.'

I have a dream (correct)

What does the metaphor 'light of hope to millions of Negro slaves' refer to?

The Emancipation Proclamation Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the speech by the end?

Optimistic Signup and view all the answers

What comparison does the simile 'righteousness like a mighty stream' make?

It compares righteousness to a powerful, flowing stream. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the figure of speech used in 'Let freedom ring'.

Repetition Signup and view all the answers

How is the end of slavery described in the speech?

Joyous daybreak Signup and view all the answers

What is being personified in the statement 'I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.'?

The nation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Figurative Language in "I Have a Dream" Speech

Alliteration examples emphasize rhythm and reinforce key ideas, such as "four little children" and "state sweltering" with racism.
The phrase "cash a check" serves as an analogy illustrating the unfulfilled promises of equality and justice.
Similes compare justice's magnitude to natural imagery, like "justice rolls down like waters" and "righteousness like a mighty stream."
Repetition is a rhetorical device used to instill conviction, notably with the phrase "I have a dream" and calls to "Let freedom ring."
Metaphors depict significant concepts, like the Emancipation Proclamation as a "light of hope" and the end of slavery as a "joyous daybreak."
The tone shifts towards optimism, especially in the conclusion, reflecting hope for a unified future based on faith and dreams.
Personification illustrates the nation's aspiration by stating that it will "rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed."

Summary of Key Devices

Each figurative language element contributes to the speech’s emotional impact and clarity of message, emphasizing the call for justice and equality.

Description

Explore the figurative language used in Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech with this quiz. Discover the use of alliteration, similes, and more through various examples from the text. Enhance your understanding of how these literary devices contribute to the speech's powerful message.