Final answer:
Martin Luther King Jr. used rhetoric in his speeches to emotionally appeal to his audience by describing a future with true equality, establishing credibility through shared values and ethical stances, and presenting logical arguments to highlight social injustices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose King is trying to achieve through his use of rhetoric in his speech is to appeal to the audience's emotions and to showcase the conflict between existing reality and the potential for a just future where true equality is achieved. The correct answer to the question is option b: King uses rhetoric to appeal to the audience's emotions by describing what the future could be like if true equality was achieved. This is seen through his employment of pathos, invoking feelings such as hope and determination among his listeners. He also uses ethos, by drawing on biblical references and the ideals of American democracy to establish credibility and shared values. Additionally, logos is subtly incorporated through the presentation of logical arguments about the necessity of civil rights.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. used his "I Have a Dream" speech not just to paint an optimistic vision of the future but to draw on the shared beliefs and values of his audience, creating a powerful rhetorical moment. He appealed to the logic of his listeners by highlighting the inconsistencies between the American ideal and the reality of his time. The rhetoric he used helped shape the nation's view on civil rights and positioned the issue at the forefront of the political agenda.