This calling for forgiveness, as Jesus forgave humanity for its sins and a Christian seeks forgiveness in a church, is a more difficult ethical request of King's audience. It is hard to forgive those who use violence and use nonviolence, hence the use of the religious language to make a strong ethical appeal. This metaphor it is also effective given the hot, long day, and the physically thirsty audience, thirsting for both water and justice.

Rhetorical Strategy 2 -- Alliteration

King's appeal is reinforced by his effective use of alliteration as well as language. The words of his speech often make use of the same first letter, causing the words to remain in the listener's mind long after the speech has finished. For example: "Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation." The symbolic shadow of Lincoln, who attempted to...
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