Lesson 14: Persuasion and Social Justice

14.1 View and Discuss “I Have a Dream” What do you already know about the Civil Rights movement and Martin Luther King Jr.? We will now watch a video of the speech. While we watch, have your book open to page 135, so that you can follow along with the text of the speech.

“I Have a Dream” Discussion Questions What issues did Martin Luther King, Jr. address in his speech? Consider the sentence, “We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now.” What does King mean by the phrase, “this hallowed spot”? What does he mean by “the fierce urgency of now”? What perspectives did people in the 1960s have on the issues that King addressed in his speech? What is your evidence? How have those perspectives changed since the 1960s?

14.2 Consider the Language of Persuasion Turn to SA 14A. The “I Have a Dream” speech includes many examples of persuasive technique cited on this page. In groups of 3-4 students, you will complete this page. You may consult SA 9C, if you need more information about persuasive technique. Use a dictionary to define any unknown words.

14.2 Discussion Questions: Word Choice Why does King use the word “dream” to appeal to his listeners? Why is it an effective word?

14.2 Discussion Questions: Figurative Language Track the allusions to money in King’s speech. Why is the idea of “giving the Negro people a bad check” an effective metaphor? What makes other metaphors that King uses effective?

14.2 Discussion Questions: Sentence Patterns Repetition is a powerful tool in this speech. Cite examples and comment on how it adds to the appeal of the speech.

14.2 Discussion Questions: Imitative Language Patterns The opening line of King’s speech is imitating the opening of another famous speech. Can you identify that speech? To what does the paragraph that starts, “I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted…” refer?

14.2 Discussion Questions: Concrete and Abstract Images King uses concrete images to represent abstract ideas. For example, he speaks of freedom as ringing like a bell. What other concrete images does he use to illustrate concepts?

14.2 Vocabulary Turn to SA 14B. Work in small groups to complete a Vocabulary Web for one of the following words: Proclamation Manacle Segregation Redemptive

14.2 Response Journal Respond to the following prompt in your Response Journal: If you could experience the “I Have a Dream” speech in only one form, would you prefer to watch and listen to video, or to read the written text? Explain and support your point of view.

Homework Complete the reading and responses for your third novel by tomorrow.