Question

Read the excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream” speech.

In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."

King uses the "check” and "promissory note” metaphors to

teach a lesson about financial responsibility.
illustrate the idea of demanding what one is due.
provide information about American economics.
suggest ways to pursue the American dream.

Answer 1

illustrate the idea of demanding what one is due.

King's check/promissory-note metaphor shows that the nation promised rights to all citizens but has failed to deliver for Black Americans; he uses the financial image to argue they are owed justice and must claim what was promised.