MLK SPEECH ANALYSIS

Symbolism

• "The Mountain" (Paragraph 12) symbolizes a problematic struggle or consequence.
• "The Mountaintop" (Paragraph 12) symbolizes the end or conquering of a problem that someone had to face.
• "The Promised Land" (Paragraph 12) references heaven, but it symbolizes a world where no one will be judged or labeled by their race or skin tone/color.

Symbolism (Continued)

• "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord," (Paragraph 12). This does not mean that he has seen God on Earth, but rather he has seen what the change of world equality is going to be like.

Figurative Language

• "Take a ride for freedom," (Paragraph 4). This is a metaphor, since you cannot actually ride for freedom, as it is not an actual item.
• "A man cannot ride your back unless it is bent," (Paragraph 5). This is an idiom. It actually means that you cannot help someone else without carrying a burden among yourself.

Figurative language (continued)

• "To see the great movement there," (Paragraph 8). This is a metaphor, as Selma, Alabama, didn't actually move, but there was a big change.

THEME
I believe that the theme of this text is "Be Grateful For What You Have"

I believe this because...

• The main topic is about how grateful Martin Luther King Jr. was about him not sneezing (which would have killed him).

I believe this because...

• He explained how he is not worried about anything because he is sure that things will change for the better eventually.