Question

whole group: central idea
directions: read paragraph 7 of martin luther king jr speech, \i have a dream,\ and answer the questions that follow.
from \i have a dream\
by martin luther king, jr.
7 it would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. this sweltering summer of the discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. nineteen sixty - three is not an end, but a beginning. and those who hope that individuals need to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. and there will be neither rest nor tranquility in america until everyone is granted his citizenship rights. the whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

1. what is the meaning of the metaphor \the whirlwinds of revolt\ in the last sentence of paragraph 7?

a. it implies that racial injustice in the past threatened the nation.
b. it implies the destruction of the nation if racial injustice is ignored.
c. it contrasts with \the bright day of justice\ to imply that racial injustice leads to uprising while equality brings peace.
d. it contrasts with \the foundations of our nation\ to imply that racial injustice leads to uprising while equality brings peace.

1. what mood does the metaphor \the bright day of justice emerges\ create in this speech?

a. a somber mood
b. a hopeful mood
c. an angry mood
d. a cheerful mood

Explanation:

Question 1

To determine the meaning of "the whirlwinds of revolt", we analyze each option:

• Option a: The metaphor is about the present/future revolt, not past injustice, so a is wrong.
• Option b: The metaphor focuses on the revolt's impact until justice, not destruction of the nation, so b is wrong.
• Option c: "Whirlwinds of revolt" (from injustice) contrasts with "bright day of justice" (equality brings peace), matching the text's idea of no rest until justice. This is correct.
• Option d: The contrast is with "bright day of justice", not "foundations of our nation", so d is wrong.

To find the mood of "the bright day of justice emerges":

• Option a: "Somber" is gloomy, but "bright day" is positive, so a is wrong.
• Option b: "Bright day of justice" suggests a positive, hopeful future, creating a hopeful mood. This is correct.
• Option c: "Angry" is negative, but the metaphor is positive, so c is wrong.
• Option d: "Cheerful" is too light; the mood is more about hope for justice, not cheer, so d is wrong.

Answer:

c. It contrasts with "the bright day of justice" to imply that racial injustice leads to uprising while equality brings peace.

Question 2