“I have a dream”
Analysis
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.
Repetition of these words:
◾freedom (20 times)
◾we (30 times), our (17 times), you (8 times)
◾nation (10 times), America (5 times), American (4 times)
◾justice (8 times) and injustice (3 times)
◾dream (11 times)
“I have a dream” -- the dream is a frame for the future and sets the stage for the rest of the words. “dream” vague “one day” makes it specific.
“The nation will rise up” -- a hint of revolution, threat to white people, that to white people, that may be scary but is tempered by subsequent (coming after something) words.
“And live out the true meaning of its creed we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal." -- A direct quote from Thomas Jefferson, 3rd US President and author of the Declaration of Independence. Will be accepted as right by everyone. Lends gravitas to the speech. 'Creed' has religious connotations. Implication that this is not true today, over 150 years after it was said.
“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia” -- repeating the 'dream', hope for the future. 'red' hints at blood, implying pain, struggle and injustice. Georgia symbolizes the South.
“The sons of...