What figurative language was used in the dr martin luther king speech?

Answer 1

The opening of King's speech uses figurative language to compare the promises of freedom made in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Emancipation Proclamation and the failure of these documents to procure those freedoms for all. He then turns to a figurative familiar to all--the weather.

EX:

Quote: "This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality."

Metaphor: King compares the legitimate anger of African-Americans to sweltering summer heat and freedom and equality to invigorating autumn.