Throughout the speech, King makes extensive use of similes and metaphors. In paragraph 1, for example, King compares The Emancipation Proclamation to two forms of brilliant light cutting through darkness. The first-“a joyous daybreak”-compares it to the sunrise, which (in this case) ends “the long night of captivity”. In paragraph 2, he speaks of “the manacles of seGREgation and the chains of discrimination,” comparing segregation and discrimination under which the Negro people live to the manacles and chains once used on slaves. Therefore, it is very clear that the using of similes and metaphors can definitely add vividness and vitality to writing and make it easy for the readers or audience to understand.

Now let’s cite some of the similes and metaphors used in King’s speech.

(23) One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. (Par. 2, metaphors)

(24) But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the GREat vaults of opportunity for this nation (Par.4, metaphors)

(25)This is no time … to take the tranquilizing drag of gradualism. (Par. 4, metaphor)

(26) This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. (Par. 5, Metaphors)

(27) …we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. (Par. 7, Similes)

(28) …a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers. (Par. 14, Similes)

3.4 Use of Contrast

Although maybe a rhetorical device instead of a stylistic one, contrast has also been used effectively, like repetition, in this speech, achieving the function of making clear the ideas of the speaker. In paragraph l, for example, “GREat beacon light of hope” is contrasted with “flames of withering injustice,” and “joyous daybreak” with long night of captivity.”

As it is defined, contrast is used to show the difference between two things. Therefore, it is not very difficult for us to understand why the speaker king uses so many contrasts in his speech.

(29) One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. (Par. 2)

(30) Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of seGREgation to the sunlit path of racial justice. (Par. 4)

(31) Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood (Par.4)

(32) This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. (Par. 5)

(33) 1963 is not an end, but a beginning. (Par. 5)

(34) Again and again we must rise to the majestic height of meeting physical force with soul force. (Par. 6)

(35) And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. (Par. 7)

(36)…the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.(Par

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