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Metaphors
Definition of Mood
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes... read full definition
Mood
Explanation and Analysis:
With this speech, King intends to spark hope in the listener. The listener (or reader) is left believing that despite the violent history of Black Americans and their persecution, a better country and a better world are still possible. The speech also creates a feeling of togetherness and goodwill toward one's fellow man, which is both the goal of the speech and the method to achieve that goal. Take the following description of togetherness as an example:
The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.
King makes sure to emphasize that all of his listeners—truly all, of any race—are part of his dream. The mood of the speech depends on the fundamental unity inherent in King's dream. This mood seeks to ensure that his Black listeners not turn animosity toward their "white brothers," but instead cultivate togetherness. King's dream is meant for all Americans: “Go back to Mississippi; go back to Alabama; go back to South Carolina; go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana; go back to the slums and ghettos of the northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can, and will be changed." Every part of America is involved in the dream: these callouts allow King to create a feeling of unity in the mood of the speech.
King also seeks to create a feeling of hope. He is steadfast in his belief that his dream is possible. Achieving racial justice will not be easy, he says, but it is unquestionably within reach—and by reiterating this belief, he gives his audience a hope for a fairer future. King does not want his listeners to "wallow in the valley of despair," but to believe in the future. His belief has the radical confidence of a Christian believing in eternal salvation. This belief rubs off on his listeners. King describes the mood of the speech—of togetherness and hope—succinctly near the end of the speech: "With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, knowing that we will be free one day.” The grammar of this sentence contains King's radical faith— "we will be free one day." The future tense makes it feel like a certain fact that King's dream is possible.
Related Themes:
