Communication ETDs

Publication Date

7-12-1973

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze and evaluate Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech in light of his philosophy of leadership. The methodology employs a system of psychoanalytic criticism devised by the author and based upon the psychoanalytic theories of Sigmund Freud and the critical philosophy of Joseph Blau.

The ideas of Freud are considered which pertain most directly to the rhetorical situation. Chapter one summarizes Freud's theories of individual development which encompassed the aspect of mental functioning (conscious, preconscious, and unconscious thought), the psychical apparatus (id, ego, and super-ego), and the instincts (Eros and the death wish). Dreams are examined as the method by which the individual reveals his unconscious thought, with the dreamwork (condensation, displacement, considerations of representability, and secondary revision) serving as the mediator by which the conscious makes unconscious thoughts acceptable in light of reality. Group behavior is examined in terms of the individual's reactions in a group, the characteristics of group organization, the group mind, and the emergence of leadership. The artist is considered as an individual who seeks to communicate with a group.

Freud's concepts are applied to Blau's theory of philosophic criticism. Blau sees as the task of the critic the revelation of the speaker's world view through an investigation of his life, a comparison of this revealed world view with the underlying assumptions of his speech, his techniques of persuasion, and a critical judgment as to the wisdom of following or believing in the speaker's suggestions for action. This combination of Freudian theories and Blau's rhetorical philosophy facilitates the creation of a critical system which examines the development of a speaker as an effective agent in his society. Chapter two of the thesis is devoted to the general application of this system to rhetorical situations.

Chapter three investigates King's early life as the source of his world view and its rhetorical effect. Events in King's early life are tied to certain central themes and structural characteristics of his rhetoric and his approach to leadership.

Chapter four sets forth King's perception of the audience for the "Dream" speech, the relation of King's perceptions to his world view, and the effect of his assessment on his self-perceived leadership role. Freudian theory is used to illuminate the reactions of King as an individual, both black and white societies as groups, and King's role as a leader who emerged from the group.

Chapter five discusses the "Dream” speech as it revealed the reaffirmation and definition of King's leadership role. King's establishment of identification with his audience and the revelation of his world view are examined in terms of Freud's dreamwork as a tool to investigate King's choice of material, structure, style, and delivery of his speech.

The underlying assumptions of King's speech and his techniques of persuasion were consistent with his world view. The speech fulfilled King's purpose of reaffirming and defining his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and unifying the diverse black and white elements in American society. King was a leader who combined the minister­educator father roles in order to maintain control of the movement.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Communication

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Department of Communication and Journalism

First Committee Member (Chair)

James Leon Hoban Jr.

Second Committee Member

Robert Christopher Dick

Third Committee Member

Ronald David Snell

Comments

The UNMUL recognizes that due to its historical nature, this item may include racially and/or ethnically based language and content that may be biased, harmful, and oppressive.

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