RHE: Lesson - Rhetoric in the 20th Century

A statue of Martin Luther King, Jr.Rhetoric in the 20th Century

When does our conscience or moral guidance overrule laws that seem unjust? Such a question, as you remember from the previous lessons on pre-1900s rhetoric, has long been the focus of rhetoric itself in the United States. Thoreau, Jefferson, and Banneker are just three of the significant voices you have heard who have written and spoken about this. This question has continued to be the basis of much of the rhetoric in the 20th and 21st centuries.

The Civil Rights Movement

The use of rhetoric to bring about social and political change is perhaps no clearer than it was during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement of the 1900s. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech may be the most recognized speech in American history, but study it closely to note where he inserts the rhetorical craftsmanship that you studied in the previous lessons. Read and listen to his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech below. Then examine and hear the rhetoric utilized to show a different perspective on racial inequality in two speeches by Malcolm X. Throughout your reading and viewing, note how King and Malcolm X use rhetorical strategies in different ways.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Below you will find two of Martin Luther King Jr.'s most famous speeches. Listen to the speeches and take note of any rhetorical structures you hear. There is also a downloadable transcript for each speech. Use these resources to expand your understanding of the speeches and their rhetorical structures and devices.

I Have a Dream:

I've Been to the Mountaintop:

Malcolm X

Below you will find two of Malcolm X's most famous speeches. Listen to the speeches and take note of any rhetorical structures you hear. There is also a downloadable transcript for each speech. Use these resources to expand your understanding of the speeches and their rhetorical structures and devices.

The Ballot or the Bullet:

Message to Grassroots:

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