The figurative language used in Martin Luther King Jr.

The figurative language used in Martin Luther King Jr.

In the poetry Martin Luther King Jr., like other forms of literature, makes great use of figurative language.In this poetry, on the other hand, the whole poetry is written in metaphors.By using metaphors, from the use of stated metaphors and implicit metaphors, the author Brooks creates a powerful image of Martin Luther king Jr.

The whole poetry starts with ‘A man went forth with gifts’, so as to make the basic and fundamental theme and mood in this poetry.Then the author begins to explain his statement through his argument by making good use of different metaphors, both stated and implicit metaphors.

Firstly, in ‘Martin Luther King Jr.’ from line 2 to 4, each line uses stated metaphors, and contributes to prove different kinds of qualities that Martin Luther king Jr.poees and different feelings the author towards him.

He was a prose poem.

He was a tragic grace.

He was a warm music.

The author creates a particular image of Martin Luther king Jr.by stating that he was each of those things.In the first line, by comparing King to a prose poem, Brooks is suggesting King’s unusual combination of qualities.The word poem suggests that he poeed musical sounds and rhythm as well as rich imagery.Prose suggests earthine, a connection with the common people and their concerns.Thus, a prose poem suggests King was both a visionary and an effective popular leader.In the second sentence, by comparing king to a tragic grace, the author gives the known historical information, a tragic aainate which killed King.Even though he was aainated, he has made a lasting impreion on the generations.His beautiful and charming personality will pa down forever.Besides, the author suggests that he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize after his death.It was a great grace for him.In the third line, the author states that he was a warm music.The word ‘warm’ directly suggests the author’s attitude towards him, adorable and respectful.He compares King as the

warm music, because both can comfort people’s heart and spirit.Just like the music can touch human’s heart, Martin Luther King Jr.will accompany its people and encourage them to fight for their dreams forever.

Next, in the following poetry, the author changes to use another metaphor---the implicit metaphor.There are two metaphors in lines 5.The first implicit metaphor is implied by the verb heal.In our society we usually treat healers as doctors, nurses, and other medical people.But people without medical training can also help to heal.For example, friends or parents can help to heal hurt feelings.So just like a healer, Martin Luther King Jr.usually helped to heal people’s hurt feelings.The second metaphor in line 5 is contained in the phrase ‘vivid volcanoes.’ Martin Luther king Jr., tried to calm explosive and life threatening conditions in the world—the condition that lead to fighting, division, and hatred.Those conditions are the vivid volcanoes.However, in line 6, the author turns to use stated metaphor again.‘His ashes are reading the world.’ The ashes suggest King’s death.The author suggests that even though he has died, he has been watching his people and the whole world.Furthermore, in line 10, the author turns to use implicit metaphor again.The first implicit metaphor is implied by the verb burns.In this poetry, it means his words ---his dream ---is remembered and will be last forever.The second is the center of the sun, here means the whole universe.So the author conveys the idea that King’s dream---nonviolently fighting for freedom---will be inherited.The third is the thousands and the hundred thousands.Here allude the greatest majority of his people.Line 13 points out the word, that’s the famous speech which declared his great dream--fight for human’s justice.The author tries to prove he and his dream will be remembered and his unfinished career will be carried on by his people forever.

To make a conclusion, in the whole poetry, the author constantly uses different metaphors, from the stated metaphor to the implicit metaphor.By using the combination of stated and implicit metaphors, Brooks succefully achieves his purpose, creating a respectable and lovable image of Martin Luther King for the reader; at the same time, strongly conveying people’s love and esteem towards Martin Luther King.

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