Speeches “The Gettysburg Address” and “I have a Dream”

When one reads “I Have a Dream” speech and the Gettysburg Address one understands why Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln are American heroes. Looking back in history one can understand why their names will always be remembered in American’s history. Both of these gentlemen had two different types of speeches but the same and each speech has left a mark in history. Abraham Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address stated what he hoped for the future of this nation.

Martin Luther King Jr. also in his speech, “I Have A Dream,” expressed his hope for the future. Both spoke of freedom and unity for this nation and both had a different way of expressing their point and both had a different purpose in their speeches.

Speeches, when given, all have a purpose whether they are to inform, persuade or entertain their listeners. Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” speech he called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States. In his speech, he was informing the Nation of social injustice and the possibilities of what the future could bring. The other great hero of our Nation, Abraham Lincoln’s speech the “Gettysburg Address” purpose was to inform his listeners of the dedication of the men that died for this nation and ending by persuading his listeners to carry on and give a new birth of freedom to this nation.

Both speeches had a distinct purpose both also had a distinct one. The tone is very important in every speech that has ever been given. The tone of the speech shows the speaker’s attitude but also how the listeners interpret the message. Abraham Lincoln when he delivered the “Gettysburg Address” used a tone that was somber because it was the dedication of a memorial and burial ground of fallen soldiers.

But this speech ended with a quiet tone that the goals he spoke of were reachable and therefore the fallen soldiers would not die in vain. Martin Luther King “I Have a Dream” speech tone was positive and hopeful for the future of freedom for all Americans. His tone also showed a determination by urging and encouraging American’s to stand up so all will have equal rights.

Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Junior speeches were written to grab their audience attention. Both of these speeches left a mark in history and their arm was to improve civil rights. During their speeches besides having a purpose and tone they also used figurative language to help keep their audience engaged. Martin Luther King in his speech “I have a Dream” used allusion. An allusion is an expression used to help the audience to remember something without mentioning what really took place.

MLK in his speech stated, “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.” (King). He was referring to Abraham Lincoln speech in which he used the wording “Fourscore and seven years ago.” (Lincoln). MLK also used simile comparing one thing with another thing but they are totally different by using like or as. He used this to make it more vivid to his reading. “This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice.” (King). Here MLK simile is comparing the momentous decree to a great beacon of light.

Abraham Lincoln in the “Gettysburg Address” also used figurative language to engage his audience by using an allusion. In his speech, he started out by saying “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.” (Lincoln). Here Lincoln is using figurative language to remember something without mentioning the Bible. Lincoln also used metaphors that compare to different things but they have similar characteristics.

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” (Lincoln) When Lincoln stated, “our fathers brought forth on this continent” here Lincoln is reminding the listeners that the founding fathers founded this county on liberty and equality. (Lincoln). Both speeches by using figurative language have made the speeches more efficient, convincing and moving to give their audience a better insight into their speeches.

“The Gettysburg Address and “I Have a Dream” were written by two of American greatest heroes. Even though they had to different types of speeches they both had a definite purpose, tone, and both used figurative language to engage their audience. They both had hope for the future and both wanted liberty and equality for all. In each address, they spoke of freedom and unity for this nation. The difference is they expressed their point and the purpose of each speech differently.Here Lincoln is using figurative language to remember something without mentioning the Bible. Lincoln also used metaphors that compares to different things but they have similar characteristics.

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” (Lincoln) When Lincoln stated “our fathers brought forth on this continent” here Lincoln is reminding the listeners that the founding fathers founded this county on liberty and equality. (Lincoln). Both speeches by using figurative language has made the speeches more efficient, convincing and moving to give their audience a better insight to their speeches.

“The Gettysburg Address and “I Have a Dream” were written by two of American greatest heroes. Even though they had to different types of speeches they both had a definite purpose, tone, and both used figurative language to engage their audience. They both had hope for the future and both wanted liberty and equality for all. In each address they spoke of freedom and unity for this nation. The difference is they expressed their point and the purpose of each speech differently.

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