Analyzing the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X

Choose one of the above authors and with a partner (or individually), select one of their speeches.

Use the links below the questions to access the speeches and more helpful resources for analyzing speeches



After selecting a speech, respond to the following questions (actually respond thoughtfully...in other words, more than one sentence) and be prepared to share your interpretation of the text:

1. How does the writer begin his speech? What techniques does he use to grab the audience's attention?

2. What is presented as the main argument in the beginning of the text? Can you identify any thesis or major theme of his speech?

3. Choose at least one sentence that you feel serves as the theme or primary message of the speech. Copy the sentence, paraphrase it, and interpret its meaning.

4. Identify at least 3 points that you think support the major argument of the text. Find three sentences that support the three points.

5. What are some rhetorical devices the author uses to appeal to and maintain the attention and focus of the audience?

6. Identify what you believe to be the most important argument made in the speech. Why do you think it is the most important?

7. How does the writer conclude the speech? How does the conclusion connect to the introduction, the major argument, or the supporting points?

8. What is your impression of the overall message of the writer? Do you think it motivated the audience to action? Why or why not?

9. What does the speech say about the writer? What can you infer about the writer or the writer's view of society based on this speech?

10. Feel free to include any additional comments on the speech.
 

Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Where Do We Go From Here": http://www.writespirit.net/inspirational_talks/political/martin_luther_king_talks/where_do_we_go_from_here/index.html

"Our God Is Marching On"

http://www.writespirit.net/inspirational_talks/political/martin_luther_king_talks/our_god_is_marching_on/index.html

"I've Been to the Mountaintop"

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemountaintop.htm

Malcolm X


"The Black Revolution"
http://www.malcolmxonline.com/speeches-black-revolution.html

"God's Judgement of White America"
http://www.malcolmxonline.com/speeches-gods-judgement.html