"I’ve been to the Mountain top": Rhetorical Analysis of Martin Luther King Jr’s last speech
"I’ve been to the Mountaintop" is a captivating speech given by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 3, 1968 at Mason Temple in Memphis Tennessee. The speech is mainly in relation to the Memphis Sanitation Strike; African American workers had been unlawfully treated. King tries to create a connection with the audience by incorporating real life situations. In the famous speech, Dr. King discusses the importance of persistence in the moving forward in the civil rights cause. Martin Luther King Jr. calls for the African American community to join in the pursuit for racial equality. He reaffirms the need for non-violent means as the best way to achieving their goals. King’s tone is inspirational so as encourage the African American community as they peacefully fight for their civil rights.
Rhetorical Strategies Used
Luther uses rhetorical strategies such as allusion, repetition, and comparisons to keep the audience interested. Dr. King repeats the phrase “I would” at the beginning and “But I wouldn’t stop there” at the end of each paragraph, which shows his complete determination to attain equality for racial minorities.
Dr. King alludes to how unity among the slaves in led to the collapse of slavery in Ancient Egypt. He affirms that African Americans too should remain united in their cause for equality. In the speech, he says, “But whenever the slaves get together, something happens in Pharaoh's court, and he cannot hold the slaves in slavery (King np).” He also points out how the Pharaoh would cause division among the slaves to prolong the period of slavery. This serves as a caution against division and aims at asserting the solidarity in the Civil Rights Movement.
Luther uses metaphor to assert the great lengths he will go to achieve his mission, saying he will mentally fly across the world. This is essential in unifying the African American community. King points out “I would go on, even to the great heyday of the Roman Empire. Moreover, I would see developments around there, through various emperors and leaders. But I wouldn't stop there (King np).”
Dr. King also uses antithesis to highlight the importance of non-violent means in the civil rights movement. He contrasts violence and non-violence thus emphasizing on the immorality of violence. Dr. King says: “It is no longer a choice between violence and non-violence in this world; its non-violence and non-existence (King np).” Besides, Luther used rhetorical concepts of logos, pathos, and ethos to instruct and encourage the audience. The concept of pathos was created in his audience by use of words such as ‘freedom’, ‘rightful place,’ and ‘victory’. This affirms what they are truly fighting for. The ideals create a shared dream among the audience. His style of speaking slowly and with great passion allows the words to be deeply engrossed in the audience’s minds.
Furthermore, Martin Luther King Jr. was a pastor in the Lutheran Church in Alabama and thus had a large support base from his church. The audience looked up to him for spiritual guidance especially during troubled times. Furthermore, his arguments were rooted in the word of God and constantly invoked God’s name in his speech. Dr. King affirms: “We are saying that we are God’s children. And that since we are God’s children, we don’t have to live like we are forced to live (King np).” This assists in instilling faith in the audience that eventually their efforts will bear fruits. Dr. King gives a powerful call to action to reach the ‘promised land.’ He uses the energy from the speech to urge the congregation to act. He instructs them to remain non-violent, patient, and united.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the purpose of this speech was to offer inspiration to the civil rights movement. Even though they faced challenges through determination, unity, and non-violent means, they would ensure the country achieves equality. King states: “Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. In addition, let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation (Hopkins, 70).” Therefore, Dr. King concludes the speech with an optimistic view about the future un-plagued by racial discrimination. He also asserts his fearlessness and absolute faith in God.
Work Cited
Hopkins, D. (2008). The Last Testament of Martin Luther King Jr. Theology Today, 65(1), pp.67-80.
“Martin Luther King, Jr. I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” American Rhetoric. Joseph M Yarbrough.2001.http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemountainto p.htm
“History and Financial Info.” Tri-State Bank. Jesse H. Turner, Jr. Memphis: Member FDIC.
2013. www.tristatebank.com/about-us/history-financial-info/
