THE MOSAIC PERSONA
Introduction: I would like to delve into the Mosaic Persona, exploring its roots in ancient theater and its
significance in rhetoric. Furthermore, I will discuss its application in Martin Luther King's "I've Been to the
Mountaintop" speech, dissecting its influence on identity construction and its role in the Civil Rights
Movement.
1. What is a persona?
In ancient theaters: The word persona means mask. In ancient theater, a mask was worn by actors,
emphasizing a distinction from their true identities and the characters they played.
In the context of rhetoric Within rhetoric, scholars assert that adopting an archetypal role enhances
a speaker's credibility and persuasion. Assuming the archetypal persona, the speaker is accorded
its authority (mean of persuasion).
Mask used by rhetors: already existent character in culture They await the enactment by the rhetor.
”… An archetypal figure is a classic figure that exists either in history, in myth, or in
literature and which has gained such prominence in the minds of people that rhetors who
remind them of the archetype will gain additional credibility as leaders.”
2. The Biblical story of Moses and its effect on the African American community
Biblical account: far more complex than the Moses archetype yet it retained some details of the
original biblical story:
Circumstances of Moses’ birth (pharaoh’s order, what his mother did… etc.)
Found and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter.
Kills an Egyptian taskmaster and is forced to flee – herding sheep for 40 years.
End of 40 years: divine call – burning bush, God speaks to him, and he was given a
mandate (call) to bring the people out of Egypt.
Response: uncertainty and reluctance, arguing God, asking Him to send someone else.
God assures him that He will back His Word up. At last, Moses accepts the task.
The Red Sea parted, journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. Moses is
faced with resistance from the Israelites who envy and question his authority, yet God keeps
confirming Moses as their leader.
Although Moses isn’t allowed to enter the land himself, he is permitted to ascend Mount
Pisgah, where God gives him a vision of the Promised Land. Having been assured that God
would bring Israel safely into Canaan, Moses dies on the mountaintop.
3. The use of the Mosaic persona in Martin Luther King’s last speech
“But it really doesn't matter with me now because I've been to the mountaintop … I've
seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that
we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land” MLK
The speech, “I've Been to the Mountaintop,” was delivered on April 3, 1968 — the day before
Martin Luther King was assassinated.
The speech primarily concerns the Memphis sanitation strike (uses the parable of the good
Samaritan). King calls for unity, economic actions, boycotts, and nonviolent protest, while
challenging the United States to live up to its standards.
Introduction: I would like to delve into the Mosaic Persona, exploring its roots in ancient theater and its
significance in rhetoric. Furthermore, I will discuss its application in Martin Luther King's "I've Been to the
Mountaintop" speech, dissecting its influence on identity construction and its role in the Civil Rights
Movement.
1. What is a persona?
In ancient theaters: The word persona means mask. In ancient theater, a mask was worn by actors,
emphasizing a distinction from their true identities and the characters they played.
In the context of rhetoric Within rhetoric, scholars assert that adopting an archetypal role enhances
a speaker's credibility and persuasion. Assuming the archetypal persona, the speaker is accorded
its authority (mean of persuasion).
Mask used by rhetors: already existent character in culture They await the enactment by the rhetor.
”… An archetypal figure is a classic figure that exists either in history, in myth, or in
literature and which has gained such prominence in the minds of people that rhetors who
remind them of the archetype will gain additional credibility as leaders.”
2. The Biblical story of Moses and its effect on the African American community
Biblical account: far more complex than the Moses archetype yet it retained some details of the
original biblical story:
Circumstances of Moses’ birth (pharaoh’s order, what his mother did… etc.)
Found and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter.
Kills an Egyptian taskmaster and is forced to flee – herding sheep for 40 years.
End of 40 years: divine call – burning bush, God speaks to him, and he was given a
mandate (call) to bring the people out of Egypt.
Response: uncertainty and reluctance, arguing God, asking Him to send someone else.
God assures him that He will back His Word up. At last, Moses accepts the task.
The Red Sea parted, journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. Moses is
faced with resistance from the Israelites who envy and question his authority, yet God keeps
confirming Moses as their leader.
Although Moses isn’t allowed to enter the land himself, he is permitted to ascend Mount
Pisgah, where God gives him a vision of the Promised Land. Having been assured that God
would bring Israel safely into Canaan, Moses dies on the mountaintop.
3. The use of the Mosaic persona in Martin Luther King’s last speech
“But it really doesn't matter with me now because I've been to the mountaintop … I've
seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that
we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land” MLK
The speech, “I've Been to the Mountaintop,” was delivered on April 3, 1968 — the day before
Martin Luther King was assassinated.
The speech primarily concerns the Memphis sanitation strike (uses the parable of the good
Samaritan). King calls for unity, economic actions, boycotts, and nonviolent protest, while
challenging the United States to live up to its standards.
