馬丁路德金我有一個(gè)夢(mèng)的文體分析報(bào)告

1、Abstract: On the base of the definition of stylistics, this thesis gives a detailed analysis ofsome the of stylistic devices used in the famous speech by the well-known American civil rightsmovement leader Martin Luther King, Jr., and then probes into the stylistic characteristics of speech as a sty

2、le.Key words: Stylistics, Stylistic devices, analysis, speech.馬丁 . 路德.金我有一個(gè)夢(mèng)的文體分析摘 要： 本文首先闡述了文體學(xué)的定義，并在此基礎(chǔ)上對(duì)對(duì)美國(guó)著名黑人領(lǐng)袖馬丁. 路德 .金的著名演講我有一個(gè)夢(mèng)中所使用的文體手段進(jìn)行了詳盡的分析，進(jìn)而對(duì)演講文體的風(fēng)格進(jìn)行了簡(jiǎn)要的論述。關(guān)鍵詞：文體學(xué)；文體手段；分析；演講As an interdisciplinary field of study, stylistics promises to offer useful insights into literary criticism a

3、nd the teaching of literature with its explicit aims and effective techniques. It is very useful in the analysis of various styles of writing. In this thesis, the author tries to offer a stylistic analysis of the famous speech by Martin Luther king, Jr. I Have a Dream.1. Introduction: Definition of

4、Stylistics and Stylistic AnalysisAs far as the definition of stylistics is concerned different scholars define the branch of study in different ways. Wales defines stylistics simply as“ the study of style”e (1989:437), whilWiddowson provides a more informative definition as“ the study of literary di

5、scourse from alinguistic orientation” and takes “ a view thatdwishtiantguishes stylistics from literarycriticism on the one hand and linguistics on the other is that it is essentially a means of linking the two ” (1975:3). Leech holds a similar view. He defines stylistics as the“ study of the use of

6、language in literatu re ” (1969:1) and considers stylistics a-“gromunedetoinfglinguistics andliterary study ” (1969:2). From what Widdowson and Leech say, we can see that stylistics is an area of study that straddles two disciplines: literary criticism and linguistics. It takes literary discourse (t

7、ext) as its object of study and uses linguistics as a means to that end.Stylistic analysis is generally concerned with the uniqueness of a text; that is, what it is that is peculiar to the uses of language in a literary text for delivering the message. This naturally involves comparisons of the lang

8、uage of the text with that used in conventional types of discourse. Stylisticians may also wish to characterize the style of a literary text by Systematically comparing the language uses in that text with those in another. Halliday points out, “ The text may be seen as this in contrast with that , w

9、ith another poem or anothernovel; stylistics studies are essentially comparative in nature” (1971:341). On this points,Widdowson is of the same opinion as Halliday. He says：“ All literary appreciation iscomparative, as indeed is a recognition of styles in general ”(1975:84). Thus, we may conclude th

10、at stylistic analysis is an activity that is highly comparative in nature.2. Related Information of the Speech I HAVE A DREAM and Its AuthorMartin Luther King, jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of a clergyman and the grandson of a slave. After attending several colleges h

11、e received his Ph. D. in theology from Boston University in 1955. He led the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955-1956. As president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, he then led civil rights demonstrations in many cities. In 1963 he helped organize the march on Washington, whic

12、h brought together more than 200,000 people. A leader in establishing a nonviolent civil rights movement, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 1964. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968, shortly before his fortieth birthday. Since then, he has become an American folk hero, and

13、on November 2, 1983, a law honoring Dr. King was signed byPresident Rigan, effective January 1986, making the third Monday of January a national holiday. He is the only U. S. citizen other than George Washington to be recognized in this way.In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation P

14、roclamation freeing all slaves in the United States. One hundred years after this decree was signed, however, the life of blacks was still “ sadly crippled by the manacles of seGREgation and the Chains discrimination.” OnAugust 28, 1963, a quarter of million people of all races came to Washington, D

15、. C., to show their support for freedom and justice for all Americans, and for black people in particular. At that demonstration, Martin Luther King, jr. delivered this famous speech I HAVE A DREAM, widely regarded as the most eloquent statement of the black people s dreams and aspirationsever made.

16、 In his speech, Dr. King told the world,“ I have a dream ” that equality would come“ to all of God s children. ” He said he wanted everyone to be able to“ join hands and sing inthe words of the old Negro spiritual, Free at last! Free at last!3. A Stylistic Analysis of the Speech (An analysis of some

17、 of the stylistic devices used in the speech)Martin Luther King s speech of August 28, 1963 is widely regarded as one of the most powerful ever delivered in the United States. Although this address was delivered orally, it was read from a written text composed with GREat care. It is an example of fo

18、rmal English with a convincing style. Here are some of the stylistic devices (which maybe considered traditionally as rhetorical devices) used by Dr King to inspire and persuade.3.1 Repetition:Throughout the speech, Dr. King repeats words and sentence. This is a very outstanding feature in this spee

19、ch called repetition. It belongs to the stylistic device of syntactic over-regularity. The term repetition is restricted to mean the case of exact copying of a certain previous unit in a text such as a word, phrase or even a sentence (Leech, 1969), because all the over-regular features in literature

20、 are in some sense repetitious. Used in speech, repetition not only makes it easy for the audience to follow what the speaker is saying, but also gives a strong rhythmic quality to the speech and makes it more memorable. In paragraphs 8 through 16, for example, King uses the words “ I have a dream ”

21、 nine times. This repetition helps to achieve the function of coherence in discourse and the function of reinforc ement in mood and emotion, expressing the speaker sstrong emotion of longing for freedom, justice, righteousness and a much more united nation of all of God s children.If we study the wh

22、ole speech more carefully, it is easy for us to find many other examples of repetition used. But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro. is still sadly crippled by the manacles of seGREgation and the chai

23、ns of discrimination. Onehundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean ofmaterial prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners ofAmerican society and finds himself an exile in his own land.Here the phrase “ one h

24、undred years later” has been repeated three times, seeminglyindicating that it is really a long time for the Negro to wait for the coming of the time of justice and righteousness.But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that thereare insufficient funds in t

25、he GREat vaults of opportunity of this nation. (Par.4)the phrase “ we refuse to believe thathas been used twice to indicate the speakers goodhope. Now is the time to make rea l the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of seGREgation to the sunlit path of r

26、acial justice. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of Godldr en.s NCohwi is the time to lift our nation from thequicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. (Par.4)In this short passage, the clause“ Now is the time to has been used four times toemphasize the f

27、ierce urgency of“ NOW” and tooeunrcage and persuade the blacks to takeimmediate action to rise above and gain their own rights and freedom.Other examples of repetition can still be easily found throughout the speech. In par. 7, thewords “ we can never/cannot be satisfied as long asas been used as ma

28、ny as five times towith the, and how” . Now letshow the d etermination and persistence of the black people; in par. 17, the wordsfaith we will be able to has been repeated twice for the purpose of showing how strong thefaith of the black people is to s truggle for the brotherhood of“ all of God s ch

29、ildrenstrong the faith of the black people is to believe that they“ will be free one dayenjoy another example. And if America is to be a GREat nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from theprodigious hilltops of New Hampshire! Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylv

30、ania!Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

31、 From every mountainside, let freedom ring.When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city (Paragraphs 19 through 25)the words “ Let Freedom ring has been repeated as many as nine times to indicate th at it is the whole of the United

32、 States rather than any part of it that should be bathed in the sunshine of freedom.3.2 Use of ParallelismParallelism is another syntactic over-regularity. It means exact repetition in equivalentpositions. It differs from simple repetition in that the identity does not extend to absolute duplication

33、, it“ requires some variable feature of the pattern-some contrasting elements whichare parallel with respect to their position in the pattern” (Leech, 1969:66). lTyo, put it simpparallelism means the balancing of sentence elements that are grammatically equal. To take them parallel, balance nouns wi

34、th nouns, verbs with verbs, prepositional phrases with prepositional phrases, clauses with clauses, and so forth.In his speech, Martin Luther King uses parallelism to create a strong rhythm to help the audience line up his ideas. Here are few examples:(Par.2, two parallelby the manacles of seGREgati

35、on and the chains of discrimination noun phrases)This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drag ofng age to take(Par. 5, two parallel nouns joinedgradualism. ”(Par.4, two parallel infinitive phrases:there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America with

36、“ neither nor )We shall never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbedof their dignity” (Par. 7, parallel verb phrases)It is traditionally believed that parallelism is used for the purpose of emphasizing and enhancing, esp. in speech, the ideas expressed by the

37、speaker (or author in written versions), thus always encouraging and inspiring the audience. We need not to be very carefully to findout many more examples of parallelism used in King s speech and classified as is followed:3.2.1 parallel nouns: This not was a promise that all men would be guaranteed

38、 the inalienable rights of life, libertyand the pursuit of happiness. (Par. 3, three parallel nouns as attributive) 1963 is not an end, but a beginning (Par. 5, two parallel nouns joined with”not but ”)(11) Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul forc

39、e.(Par. 6)(12) have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom isinextricably bound to our freedom. (Par. 6, two pairs of parallel nouns).(13) I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of themoment (Par. 8)(14)- - a deser

40、t state sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed intoan oasis of freedom and justice. (Par. 11, two pairs of parallel nouns).3.2.2 Parallel noun phrases:(15) So we have to came to cash t his check-a check that will give as upon demand the riches offreedom and The sec

41、urity of justice. (Par. 4)(16) I have a dream that one day on the red hills ofGeorgia the sons of former slaves and the sonsof former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brother hood (Par. 10)3.2.3 Parallel infinitive phrases:(17) It would be fetal for the nation to overlo

42、ok the urgency of the moment and tounderestimatethe determination of the Negro. (Par.5, two parallel infinitive phrases)(18) With thisfaith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to straggle together, to go tojail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free

43、 one day. (Par. 7, five parallel infinitive phrases).3.2.4 Parallel prepositional phrases(19) I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not bejudged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. (Par. 12)(20)一 , when we let it ring

44、from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, (Par. 25)E. Parallel clauses:(21) ，have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and (that) theirfreedom is inextricably bound t our freedom. (Par. 6, two parallel objective clause)(22) I have a dream that on

45、e day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough place will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. (Par. 6, six parallel clauses used as appositions of the

46、 noun“ dream ” ).3.3 Use of Similes and MetaphorsAs two very important types of meaning transference in literature, similes and metaphors are comparisons that show similarities in things that are basically different, which can be used to add vividness and vitality to writing. As Leech points out, me

47、taphor is associated with a particular rule of transference whichmay be called the “ metaphoric rule ” (1969: 151). That is,the figurative meaning is derived from the literal meaning or it is, as it were, the literal meaning.Throughout the speech, King makes extensive use of similes and metaphors. I

48、n paragraph 1, for example, King compares The Emancipation Proclamation to two forms of brilliant light cutting through darkness. The first- “ a joyous daybreak-”compares it to the sunrise, which (in thiscase) ends “ the long night of captivity” . In paragraph 2, he speaks of e manacles of “ thseGRE

49、gation and the chains of discrimination,” comparing segregation and discriminationunder which the Negro people live to the manacles and chains once used on slaves. Therefore, it is very clear that the using of similes and metaphors can definitely add vividness and vitality to writing and make it eas

50、y for the readers or audience to understand.Now let s cite some of the similes and metaphors used in King s speech.(23) One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. (Par. 2, metaphors)(24) But we refuse to believe that th

51、e bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the GREat vaults of opportunity for this nation (Par.4, metaphors)(25)This is no time to take the tranquilizing drag of gradualism. (Par. 4, metaphor)(26) This sweltering summer of the Negro s legitimate discont

52、ent will not pass until there is aninvigorating autumn of freedom and equality. (Par. 5, Metaphors)(27) we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like amighty stream. (Par. 7, Similes)(28) a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join

53、hands with whiteboys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers. (Par. 14, Similes)3.4 Use of ContrastAlthough maybe a rhetorical device instead of a stylistic one, contrast has also been used effectively, like repetition, in this speech, achieving the function of making clear the ide

54、as of the speaker. In paragraph l, for example,“ GREat beacon light of hope” is contrasted with“ flames of withering injustice,” and “ joyous daybreak ” with long night of captivity.As it is defined, contrast is used to show the difference between two things. Therefore, it is not very difficult for

55、us to understand why the speaker king uses so many contrasts in his speech.(29) One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vastocean of material prosperity. (Par. 2)(30) Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of seGREgation to the sunl

56、it path of racial justice. (Par. 4)(31) Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood (Par.4)(32) This sweltering summer of the Negro s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is aninvigorating autumn of freedom and equality. (Par

57、. 5)(33) 1963 is not an end, but a beginning. (Par. 5)(34) Again and again we must rise to the majestic height of meeting physical force with soulforce. (Par. 6)(35) And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannotturn back. (Par. 7)(36) - the sons of former slaves

58、 and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit downtogether at the table of brotherhood.(Par. 10)(37) a desert state sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformedinto an oasis of freedom and justice. (Par. 11)(38) where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. (Par. 12)(39) With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair