Activity Overview
When teaching speeches and letters, it’s helpful to refresh or introduce students to rhetorical devices that enhance rhetorical strategies. After reading “I Have A Dream”, ask your students to do a scavenger hunt using the Storyboard Creator. Give them the following five rhetorical devices and have them create a storyboard that depicts and explains the use of each device in the speech: repetition, analogy, parallelism, restatement, and antithesis.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the rhetorical devices in each heading: Antithesis, Repetition, Analogy, Parallelism, and Restatement.
- Find an example of each device in "I Have a Dream", and write the quote in the description boxes.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters, and items to each.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/6/4] Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/7/4] Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama
- [ELA-Literacy/L/6/6] Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression
How to Incorporate 'I Have a Dream' into the Curriculum for Teaching Rhetorical Devices
Introducing 'I Have a Dream' and Rhetorical Devices
Begin the lesson by setting the historical context of Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" speech. Discuss its significance in the Civil Rights Movement to provide students with a background understanding. Then, introduce the concept of rhetorical devices. Explain simple devices such as metaphors, similes, repetition, and anaphora, using clear examples from everyday language. This initial step lays the groundwork for deeper analysis and helps students to start identifying these devices in the speech.
Analyzing the Speech for Rhetorical Devices
Guide the students through a reading of select portions of "I Have a Dream". Encourage them to annotate instances of rhetorical devices as they read. This can be done in groups or individually, depending on the class size and student preferences. After the annotation exercise, facilitate a group discussion. In this discussion, have students share the devices they identified and talk about how these devices enhance the impact of the speech. This step not only reinforces their understanding of rhetorical devices but also fosters critical thinking and discussion skills.
Creating Storyboards to Visualize Rhetorical Devices
Introduce the Storyboard Creator tool, or any similar digital tool available, and explain how it can be used to visually represent rhetorical devices. Assign different sections of "I Have a Dream" to groups or individual students for a detailed rhetorical analysis. The task is to create storyboards that illustrate the rhetorical devices they find in their assigned sections. Encourage students to be creative in their depictions, using symbols, colors, and images to convey the meaning and effect of the rhetorical devices.
Presenting and Reflecting on the Findings
Conclude the lesson with presentations. Each group or student presents their storyboard to the class, explaining the rhetorical devices they illustrated. This not only helps reinforce their understanding but also allows for peer learning. Follow up with a reflective writing exercise. Ask students to write about how their understanding of "I Have a Dream" has changed through learning about these rhetorical devices and the impact these devices have on the power of the speech.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rhetorical Devices in I Have a Dream
What are the main rhetorical devices used in "I Have a Dream"?
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech masterfully employs several rhetorical devices. The main devices include anaphora, evident in the repeated use of the phrase “I have a dream”; metaphor, such as referring to justice as a "bank of justice"; and alliteration, as seen in phrases like “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. The speech also utilizes pathos to evoke emotional responses and ethos to establish King’s credibility.
How does the use of rhetorical devices impact the overall message of the speech?
The impact of these rhetorical devices on the overall message of the speech is profound. They enhance its emotional appeal, making it more persuasive and memorable. The repetitive nature of anaphora, for instance, creates a rhythmic pattern that reinforces the speech's call for equality and freedom. Metaphors and alliterative phrases make complex concepts more relatable and impactful. By appealing to emotions (pathos) and establishing his moral authority (ethos), King effectively connects with his audience, both intellectually and emotionally.
Can the rhetorical strategies in "I Have a Dream" be considered effective in terms of persuasive speech?
In terms of persuasive speech, the rhetorical strategies in "I Have a Dream" are exceptionally effective. They demonstrate King’s oratorical skill in weaving together various techniques to create a speech that is not only persuasive but also inspiring. The use of repetition, powerful imagery, and emotional appeal makes the speech resonate with a wide audience, transcending time and remaining relevant decades later.
How do the rhetorical devices in "I Have a Dream" compare to those used in other famous speeches?
When compared to other famous speeches, the rhetorical devices in "I Have a Dream" stand out for their harmonious integration and the balance between emotional appeal and logical argumentation. While other great speeches also use similar devices, King’s speech is unique in its poetic cadence and its profound impact on the Civil Rights Movement. It’s a testament to King’s ability to use language not just to persuade, but to inspire and mobilize, a quality that many great speeches aspire to achieve.
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