Adam Channel

Due 09/09/2007
ENGL1C

Use of pathos in "I Have a Dream"

In his speech "I have a dream," Martin Luther King Jr. heavily emphasizes in the use of

pathos, or plays upon his audiences emotions to create a sense of identity and community. He

forges this sense in many different ways throughout. He appeals to his audience as blacks, and as

whites. He appeals to us as the downtrodden, as the recipients of a "bad check," one that is

insufficient in justice. His strongest appeal however is to his audience as Americans. Through the

speech and especially in closing his speech speaks of the beauty of our land, and how we can

work together to improve it. At the end of his speech he even sings part of My Country Tis' of

Thee, and closes with colorful imagery of the many states. This lends to an appreciation of the

land and brings the audience together as Americans, regardless of color or creed.