Are you searching for the most comprehensive 2nd year English notes for I Have a Dream? Whether you are student of the Federal Board, Punjab Board or any other regional board, Chapter 04 is cornerstone of the Grade-12 curriculum.
Martin Luther King Jr.s iconic speech is more than just literature; it is a masterclass in oratory and human rights. This guide provides solved study questions, linguistic analysis, and the i have a dream english notes second year you need to secure an A* in your exams.
Study Questions Recalling (Short Answers)
Q 1. Who does Dr. King refer to by the epithet, “great American?” Answer: Dr. King refers to Abraham Lincoln. He uses the phrase “Five score years ago,” which directly mirrors Lincoln’s own “Four score and seven years ago” from the Gettysburg Address. Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation which King views as pivotal but unfulfilled promise.
Q 2. What does the “Emancipation Proclamation” mean in this context? Answer: It symbolizes a “great beacon light of hope” for millions of Negro slaves. It were the 1863 executive order that legally freed slaves. For King, it was a promise of full citizenship that America had yet to deliver 100 years later.
Q 3. How does King describe the life of the Negro in the US 100 years later? Answer: He uses vivid imagery to show that the Negro is still not free. He describes their life being “crippled by the manacles of segregation” and living on “lonely island of poverty” amidst a “vast ocean material prosperity.”
[Unit 4 Download PDF Full Download: I Have a Dream English Notes]
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Interpreting Rhetorical Devices
Q 1. What is meant by “cashing a check” and “insufficient funds”? Answer: King uses a brilliant metaphor. He compares the Declaration of Independence to a “promissory note.” He argues that America has defaulted on this note for citizens of color, giving them a “bad check.” However, he refuses to believe the “bank of justice is bankrupt.”
Rhetorical Analysis Table
| Device | Example from Speech | Purpose |
| Anaphora | “I have a dream…” / “Let freedom ring…” | To create rhythm and emphasize the vision. |
| Alliteration | “Content of their character.” | To make the phrase memorable and lyrical. |
| Metaphor | “Joyous daybreak to end the long night…” | To contrast misery with the hope of freedom. |
Long Questions & Writing Skills
Essay: The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. remains a legacy figure in global history. Born in 1929, he led the Civil Rights Movement using non-violent resistance.
- 1955: Led the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
- 1963: Delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech to over 250,000 people.
- 1964: Became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Essay: Freedom in the Modern World
Freedom is the ability to act, speak, or think without restraint. However, as King highlighted, true freedom is not just the absence of physical chains but the presence of economic and social justice. In today’s context, King’s position remains relevant as we continue to struggle against systemic discrimination and poverty globally.
Also Read: 2nd Year English Notes: The Blades of Grass (Unit 3) | Free Full PDF Download
Why These 2nd Year English Notes are the Best
- Exam Focused: Directly addresses the Grade-12 syllabus.
- Analytical Depth: Provides NLP-optimized content for better retention.
- Scannable: Uses tables and bullet points for quick last-minute revision.
Conclusion: Master the i have a dream martin luther king notes to ensure you don’t miss any nuances of this powerful speech. Don’t forget to check our other Part-II English Notes for chapters 1 through 20!