Both Martin Luther King"s "I have a Dream" and George Orwell"s "Shooting an Elephant" are essays about denouncing racism through effective language manipulations, for example, figurative language and precise diction. Both essays are powerful pieces that draw reader"s attention to the injustice of racism. However, the points of contrast between the two are clearly identifiable. For purpose of discussion, I will be focusing primary on the differences such as the use of figurative language, sentence structure and method of presentation, as well as tone. .

             Language Manipulation is one key element of a good quality essay. Although both King and Orwell show a high degree of manipulations in figurative language and sentence structure, they are, in fact, quite different. King"s essay, originally a speech, is a highly persuasive and emotionally charged piece because of wide range of metaphor and biblical allusions. By using allusions, references to well known books, stories and events, he is able to present his speech smoothly – providing that the audiences understand them. For examples: .

             a) Five score years ago, a great American in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation of Proclamation.

             b) I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of. sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

             On the other hand, Orwell"s essay is a narrative, where in he relates a real life experience to condemn the injustice of racism. His essay is quite abstract because of his use of the elephant as a symbol. This forces the reader to interpret the symbolism in order to understand the author"s purpose.

             Another major language manipulation of the two essays is the sentence structure. The most significant sentence structure manipulation in King"s essay is perhaps the use of repetition. Because of the fact that his essay is presented as a speech, the use of repetition allows King to emphasize his points.