One of the most well known pieces of oratory of all time is Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. This speech was written to persuade all Americans that all people are created equally. The use of allusion and exposition help in the overall effectiveness of this speech.
Martin's use of allusion to the Bible, a patriotic song, and the Declaration of Independence are used to attract people's sense of moral obligation to stay true to this equality. By using biblical references like “and the crooked place will be made straight” he appeals to the Christians. No Christian wants to be seen as a sinner so he told them that it is God’s will for people to live with equality and by saying this he adds validity to his point. In the same manner, he uses a patriotic song “My Country Tis’ of Thee”. He pleads one to listen to the sense of nationalism felt by most Americans. By quoting the commonly accepted patriotic song he makes an undeniable case for approvel of integration policy and universal equality. He also appeals to members of Congress and Americans who are tied to their roots by quoting the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence was the beginning of the American Revolution, which is a great moment in American history. By comparing that to that which was being experienced when he made the speech, King made his audience have a reasonable understanding. By using resources that are commonly approved most of the population, he made everyome feel a moral obligation to his cause through nationalism and Christianity.
The other method that Martin Luther King Jr. used to increase the effectiveness of the oratory is exposition. He uses examples what he went through and the lives of others to make his speech more available to any one person. King uses his own children as an example of racism. He says that his children should be judged upon their character and not upon their skin color. This statement is powerful to any parent. For King to talk about his own children adds a sense of emotion and makes his writing all the more effective in pursuading his peers. He also lists different mountains from which freedom should ring. This is in reference to his quote from “My Country Tis of Thee”. He lists the names of these mountains so thatwhoever is listening feels a personal connection too. Examples increase the personal response and cause people to act on their emotions.
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