Answer and Explanation:
Which rhetorical appeal is King using when he repeats the words "I have a dream"?
In his memorable speech, Martin Luther King repeats the words "I have a dream." The rhetorical device he was using was called repetition, which consists of repeating certain words, phrases, or even whole sentences to emphasize an idea, a point of view, an argument.
What effect does the use of repetition have on the audience?
When used in a speech such as King's, repetition helps emphasize the importance of something - in this specific case, King emphasized his dream of equality and freedom. He was making it clear that his ideas were still just a dream, still to become reality. He was also emphasizing the importance of dreaming and fighting for one's dreams, so that others can also benefit from them.
Also, repetition is useful to help the audience remember and keep track of what is being said. Since a speech is given orally, repeating parts of it can help listeners remember what train of thought the speaker is following.
