Why would MLK Jr open with 5 score years ago?

Dr. King goes on to grandly state, “5 score years ago,” which is the same wording that Abraham Lincoln used in his Gettysburg Address. King used this to represent himself in the same light and manner that Abraham Lincoln did, hoping to reignite the “light and hope” Abraham Lincoln caused in the nation.

What does five score and eight years mean?

On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln gave a speech that would be quoted for centuries to come. Lincoln’s address starts with “Four score and seven years ago.” A score is equal to 20 years, so he was referencing 87 years ago — 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed.

What effect does Dr Kings allusion have on the speech?

Starting the speech with an allusion to the end of slavery also emphasizes the point that there are continuing obstacles facing African Americans besides slavery. For those who were saying, “Hey, there are no more slaves, racism is over,” MLK’s use of an allusion was a wake-up call.

What is Martin Luther King Jr’s main purpose for giving his I Have a Dream Speech to Informto Entertainto persuade?

The purpose of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” Speech is to expose the American public to the injustice of racial inequality and to persuade them to stop discriminating on the basis of race.

Who is the great American that Dr King refers to?

Martin Luther King’s Speech I Have A Dream Speech “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation.” Martin Luther King was referring to America’s sixteenth president, Abraham Lincoln.

Who said Five score years ago?

Martin Luther King Jr.
On August 28, 1963, at the March on Washington, Martin Luther King Jr. began his speech by declaring, “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Who is the great American in I Have a Dream?

Expert Answers Martin Luther King Jr. is referring to Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States of America. Dr. King refers to the great American who signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

What kind of intertextuality does the word Five score years ago?

Gettysburg Address Martin Luther King, Jr. used the phrase “Five score years ago…” in his “I Have a Dream” speech. This is a reference to President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, which originally began with “Four score and seven years ago…” As you can see, King’s phrasing is a subtle reference, hence an allusion!

What kind of intertextuality is found in I Have a Dream?

Although Martin Luther King Jr. focuses on racism and equality in his “I Have a Dream” speech, he explores intertextuality through allusions and metaphors. Martin Luther King Jr.’s focus of his speech has been equality. He wanted freedom from slavery and peace…show more content…

What is the apparent exact purpose of the speech of Martin Luther King Jr?

The apparent purpose of his speech is to avoid racial discrimination between whites and blacks and to provide freedom, justice and equality to all promised in American constitution.

Who is the great American in whose symbolic shadow we stand today?

Martin Luther King Jr., we should take a step away from our divisive politics and recall his defining speech delivered in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 28, 1963: “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

What does ‘five score years ago’ mean?

the expression “five score years ago” is referred to the year 1863 when Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg adress. Five score means one hundred.

How long is 5 score years and 10 years?

A “score” is 20 years. So “5 score” is 100 years, a century. As a child I was taught that the Bible said that the life of a human should be “3 score years and 10” or 70 years. it’s an old fashioned number. Others you may hear are a couple (2), a half-dozen (6)]

What is the most memorable use of the word score?

President Lincoln gave the Gettysburg address (speech) that is the most memorable use of “score”. http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/gettysburg.htm In general, that is an antiquated term that would not be used in everyday speech. score – 20 years. Five score – 100.