Two Score and Five Years Ago

Abraham Lincoln could be widely regarded as one of the most influential presidents in the history of the United States. A man of humble qualifications, he rose through the muck and mires of America during the 19^th century, and held together a nation, through sheer force of will. Lincoln still leaves a tremendous legacy behind. Even though he did not actually fight the war for slavery, the emancipation proclamation still is one of his greatest accomplishments. It is then no wonder that Martin Luther King Jr., in his “I have a Dream” speech attempts to persuade America, by alluding to Abraham Lincoln, and what he did for this country.

Martin Luther King, stated, “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation.” This is an obvious allusion to the Gettysburg Address, probably the most easily recognizable presidential speech in the history of America. By doing this, everyone knows who he is talking about. He states that Lincoln, who was this giant of a man, was a sympathizer to slavery. He signed this document that many on his own side opposed, that freed the slaves in the rebel states, and then led into a chain reaction that abolished slavery in the entire United States. What King is trying to use this for, is that Lincoln was a great man, who was never for slavery, and was opposed to it. In a way it is a silent accusation against America saying, if this great man was for civil rights, then why aren’t you?

In passing, the comment doesn’t seem to do more than allude to the Gettysburg address. But a detailed analysis of the entire speech, sees it is riddled with several cunning statements like this, that appeal to the American sense of honor. It was a very effective part, even though it is not the most remembered section of King’s speech. It was an ethical move as well, as it put into light the historical facts about the topic, and brought them in front of everyone again. I personally think it was a very cunning move by King, and is further proof of the genius of the man