...Rhetorical Analysis Martin Luther King’s inspiration for writing his, “Letter from Birmingham Jail” was mainly to appeal to an undeniable injustice that occurred during his time. His letter was in response tos eight white clergymen, who objected to King protesting in Birmingham. Dr. King effectively crafted his counterargument after analyzing the clergymen’s unjust proposals and then he was able to present his rebuttal. Dr. King effectively formed his counterargument by first directly addressing his audience, the clergymen and then using logos, pathos and egos to present his own perspective on his opponent’s statements. The majority of the sentences in King’s letter can be connected to logos, pathos or ethos and his incorporation of appeals is masterful. On more than one occasion, King uses various strategies to appeal to his audience, in the letter he writes, “I have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. We have some eighty-five affiliated organizations across the South, and one of them is the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights.” In this excerpt, King presents his ethos very tactically. The Alabama clergy presents him as an outsider in the letter, but demonstrating his ethos, King presents himself as an insider. He is not just a man who chose to protest in an outside community, but is in fact the president of the Conference. He...
Words: 1296 - Pages: 6
...Over the course of “Letter from Birmingham Jail” (1963), the author, Martin Luther King Jr., makes extended allusions to multiple philosophers, among them Aquinas and Socrates. His comparison would seem to indicate that he shares an affinity with them. However, the clarity with which he makes his arguments and the dedication to a single premise strikes most strongly of Kant. Just as Kant’s magnum opus, Critique of Pure Reason, attempted to completely upend a previously accepted mode of thought, so also was King’s work devoted to a single objective: the protection of civil disobedience as a form of protest such that the Civil Rights Movement could continue in uncompromised form. Despite this singularity of purpose, the complexity of the situation meant that a more nuanced response to the statement A Call for Unity as published by eight Alabama Clergymen was necessary. In this way, King’s letter in fact served a fourfold purpose: to establish himself as a legitimate authority in the eyes of his audience, to show the trials of the black in America, to justify his cause, and to argue the necessity of immediate action. In Martin Luther King Jr.’s letter, written to the Clergymen from Birmingham Prison, he uses the rhetorical appeal of ethos to establish his credibility on the subject of racial discrimination and injustice. He starts off the letter with “My Dear Fellow Clergymen”. By him saying this, he is putting himself on the same “level” as the clergymen, sending the message that...
Words: 1716 - Pages: 7
...Letter from Birmingham Jail - by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. With some discussion, please answer the following questions independently. Write in complete sentences, 1-2 paragraphs per answer. Answer completely and thoroughly. Put serious thought into your answers. 5 points per question. *Write a one paragraph summary of the letter. Include the following: -Reason why MKL was in jail. o -Reason for writing the letter. o -Intended audience of the letter. o -Main points o -Significance of letter for Civil Rights movement. Martin Luther King was imprisoned because he participated in a nonviolent demonstration against segregation. He purposely chose to be a part of this demonstration to bring attention and publicity to the city of Birmingham, the heart of discrimination. He wrote the letter to respond to the criticisms of eight white religious leaders in the south. He seldom responds to criticism, but he felt a strong motive to explain to these leaders his cause for doing what he is doing. He gives descriptions of his ideal just and unjust laws and gives several examples of why they are unjust. He also calls out the white moderate, saying that their lack of doing nothing is just as worse as the white radicals. Also he talks about how freedom is never willingly given up by the oppressor, and that something must be done to bring justice to these problems. This letter gave many whites a chance to see the demonstrations from his...
Words: 924 - Pages: 4
...The Letter from Birmingham Jail essay is about Dr. Martin Luther King as he addresses questions from the surrounding clergyman in the Birmingham area about his protest. Dr. Martin Luther King explains why he came to Birmingham to help his committee as well as to help desegregate the extreme divide community of Birmingham in an effort to bring justice to the world and bring the community together to stop segregation as a whole. The Letter from Birmingham Jail essay is about Dr. Martin Luther King answering the question to several clergyman. He first explains his reasoning for being in Birmingham in that he has to help his committee. Dr. King then addresses that he is trying to bring justice to the community of Birmingham through his non-violent protest. He also explain why his non-violent methods are very efficient in role of stopping segregation. He also answers the to the protest being untimely as he explains the committee’s effort to wait for the perfect time so they can captivate the community but they could no longer wait any longer the conditions in the African-American community are dangerous and a threat to the society alone. Dr. King then states the segregation is an unjust because a majority group makes a minority group follow rules but these rules are not binding. King also explains just laws in that it is man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God and uplifts personality while, an unjust law is out of harmony with moral law and it degrades...
Words: 469 - Pages: 2
...8/20/2012 “Letter From Birmingham Jail” 1. Why was Martin Luther King, Jr., in Birmingham? Martin Luther King, Jr., was in Birmingham, because of the injustice to the American Negro. He felt compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond his own home town. 2. What is a law? A law, as defined by dictionary.com, is the principles and regulations established in a community by some authority and applicable to its people, whether in the form of legislation or of custom and policies recognized and enforced by judicial decision. I other words, laws govern or enforce the quality of life of the citizens in a community or locale. They are usually put into effect by the form of the majority vote. 3. What is a “just/unjust” law? A just law, according to Martin, is a law that is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. So in other words, just laws are typically for the betterment of all people and unjust laws seeks to oppress a minority group. These unjust laws do not bind to the makers of such laws. 4. What does Martin Luther King, Jr., use to build the contents of the “letter?” Dr. King effectively uses The Bible, former demonstrations, the white church, white supporters, Muslim theories, constitutional rights and past experiences that reflected inhumane treatment by the oppressor. These were the primary contents that appeared throughout his letter. 5. Is there...
Words: 325 - Pages: 2
...Martin Luther King’s “Letter from Birmingham jail” is a mix of emotional passion and logical precision that seeks to achieve meaningful cause. The letter was a response to white clergy who were critical of his intention in Birmingham naming him an “outsider”. King’s response to critics through a letter explains his arguments vividly and effectively. King wrote the letter in a way that he agreed with his critics, nonetheless still using their words against them in logic harmony. King’s letter illustrates the three artistic proofs used to convince an audience. This paper will discuss the ethos, pathos, and logos modes of persuasion as well as writing structure as seen in King’s “The letter from Birmingham jail”. King’s letter demonstrates his clear logic, empathetic prose, sense of self, as maintained by high moral ground. His letter evokes ethical appeal for two main reasons; the language used is ethical and suits the topic, and the words come from a credible source. King is to be forgiven for saying, “Right defeated is stronger than evil triumphant” because this word may seem provocative (Jnr, 2012). However, these words are persuasive and used in the right context. According to Aristotle, ethos is developed when one chooses to use language that is suitable for the audience, and when the same words makes the person sound fair or unbiased (Aristotle, 2012). He uses historical facts to justify the reason why injustice prevails, and not his own opinion. He says, “Lamentably...
Words: 770 - Pages: 4
...Nick Genaris Professor Ngoh Protest Literature 21th October 2015 Letter from Birmingham Jail-Rhetorical Analysis Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote the “Letter from Birmingham Jail” in order to address the biggest issue in Birmingham and the United States at the time (racism) and to also address the critics he received from the clergymen. The letter discusses the great injustices happening toward the Black community in Birmingham and although it is primarily aimed at the clergymen King writes the letter for all to read. In his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” Martin Luther King Jr. uses logos, alliteration/repetition, and ethos to back up his belief that nonviolent protesting and disobedience is the most effective means to protest anything that needs to be changed, in this case segregation. After reading King’s letter I, and almost anyone, would come to the conclusion that King is deeply motivated to help against any injustice in the US. Who else would go to such lengths if they didn’t? He knows how persuasive he can be by using his knowledge of the English language, and he uses this to speak out against people who doubt him (clergymen) and to incite a different way of thinking into the people in hopes of change. Dr. King’s letter is extremely effective because it provides an enormous amount of evidence to the reader that he and his company are being treated unjustly and also that King truly cares about making a change for the good of the city. It also re-directs attention...
Words: 1884 - Pages: 8
...Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail” is a poignant look into the reality of racial inequality in 1960s America. King writes this letter to fellow clergy men and aims to address their concerns regarding the wisdom and timing of the nonviolent direct-action demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama that King and other leaders orchestrated and carried out in 1963. King employs all three types of appeals; however, I find I am particularly moved by pathos and ethos in this work. So much that, I must admit, I was initially confused by my own emotions. Dr. King’s letter evokes in me strong feelings of empathy, indignation, and even pride. One of my first reactions to this reading was a sense of guilt by the mere virtue of being part of what King describes as the “oppressor race” (par 31). But after allowing myself some time to inventory and analyze my reaction, I came to the realization that I can no more take responsibility for the actions of the white segregationists King describes than I can place the responsibility for crimes perpetrated by African Americans of previous generations on the African Americans that I know. The accurate description of what I felt is not guilt, but rather empathy and Dr. King creates several opportunities for his audience place themselves in his role, as in the following passage: “when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six-year old daughter why she can’t go to the pubic...
Words: 1053 - Pages: 5
...English 100 March 17th, 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”. Question 6 on page 177 Have you ever thought about integrity? We all have at some point in our lives. The Miriam-Webster Dictionary defines integrity as “the quality of being honest or fair and the state of being complete or whole.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Stephen L. Carter spoke about this and defined it in their own ways. Stephen L. Carter wrote in “The Rules about the Rules” that “integrity requires 3 steps: (1) discerning what is right and what is wrong; (2) acting on what you have discerned, even at personal cost; and (3) saying openly that you are acting on your understanding of right from wrong.” During a major protest of unfair business practices in Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. King was arrested and put into jail for his actions. In his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” he gave evidence of Stephen L. Carter’s definition of integrity. “Discerning what is right and what is wrong.” In 1954, the Supreme Court came to the decision to outlaw segregation in public schools. Even though this was Federal Law, the community still chose to obey the city ordinances of segregation. Dr. King stated that for the African-American people there was “grossly unjust treatment in the courts, and there were more unsolved bombings of Negro homes and churches in Birmingham than any other city in the nation.” Despite strong efforts made from the leaders in the African-American community...
Words: 522 - Pages: 3
... Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote “Letters from Birmingham Jail” while incarcerated for his participation in the civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama. The letter was a response to “A Call for Unity,” published by the Birmingham clergymen in the Birmingham News, which attempted to end all nonviolent civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham. In the letter, Dr. King described his reasons for having been in Birmingham and his opinions and reasons for protesting. He also explained what actions could have been taken for the demonstrations to cease. By using historical quotes, emotional appeals, an assertive tone, and common sense, Dr. King thoroughly and effectively stated his point on the protest that would get positive feedback, which in turn he had hoped to receive from the audience of strict officials that resisted change. As Dr. King began and ended his letter, he did so with respect to the audience. He acknowledged them as “men of genuine good will” (King 263), and at the end he also stated that he had hoped to meet them one day as Christian equals (King 279); doing this, Dr. King hoped to show that he accepted their criticisms. In return, he hoped that the clergymen would hear what he had to say and give it genuine thought. Had he been disrespectful the clergyman would not have taken what he had to say into consideration. Dr. King used religion to reach the clergymen’s moral thoughts and explain exactly why he was in Birmingham when he wrote, “Just as the eighth...
Words: 763 - Pages: 4
...Synopsis of “Letter from Birmingham Jail” By Martin Luther King, Jr. The clergymen agreed that social injustices existed but argued that the battle against racial segregation should be argued only in the courts, not in the streets. They criticized Martin Luther King, calling him an “outsider” who causes trouble in the streets of Birmingham. To this, King referred to his belief that all communities and states were interrelated. He wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider…” King expressed his sorrow that the demonstrations were taking place in Birmingham but felt that the white power structure left the black community with no other choice. The clergymen also disapproved of the enormous tension created by the demonstration. In response, King stated that he and his fellow demonstrators were using nonviolent direct action in order to cause tension that would force the wider community to face the issue head on. They hoped to create tension: a nonviolent tension that is needed for growth. King responded that without nonviolent forceful direct actions, true civil rights could never be achieved. The clergymen also disapproved of the timing of the demonstration. However...
Words: 421 - Pages: 2
...In April of 1963, a newspaper released articles written by several clergymen criticizing Martin Luther King Junior’s most recent activities and stating that the activities were unwise and untimely. In the “Letter From Birmingham Jail,” MLK addresses the clergymen’s concerns by explaining and justifying why his civil disobedience should be supported. To start off, MLK explains that he is in Birmingham because injustice is there. He defends his right to be there fighting for his rights. He then compares himself to the Apostle Paul to make a connection between Paul and himself. MLK believes that the clergymen have put their criticisms out there without exploring all the many causes of the injustice. MLK then explains in great detail, the four basic steps to a nonviolent campaign. The first step is, to have a collection of facts to determine whether injustice is present. The southern Christian Leadership Conference confirmed that Birmingham had been practicing racial injustice. Soon after that the SCLC began the second basic step: negotiation. The SCLC attempted to negotiate with the white leaders in Birmingham, however, not very long after the negotiation, the attempt to end the racial injustice wasn’t successful. When the SCLC realized this they made a decision to prepare to protest; they just had to wait for the right time. Before the protests, they went through the third basic step of a nonviolent campaign: self purification. They had to determine if they were ready to work...
Words: 1168 - Pages: 5
...TUI University Lionel Martinez ENG 101 – English Composition 1 Dr. David Ojo Module 1 Case Assignment 1 June, 8 2012 While King's letter was set and written in the 1960's, it is still prevalent today. Martin Luther King was not only a civil rights activist for Blacks, but his logic and rhetoric is to be admired. I feel it is our duty not only to read King's letter, but to use it as an educational tool. The letter, by King, is well written and a great example of how to write a letter formed essay. Ignoring the fact this letter was being written during the civil rights fights and protests in the 1960's, it was written by a well-educated and well known man who is respected and admired. King begins his letter in a polite address to accusations delivered to him, "But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will..." He takes politeness to a degree that it becomes an art form. Not once does he use an offense word or phrase that would offend the audience of his letter. King's logic is also to be commended. The Letter began with King's reasons of being in Birmingham and he explains it in a way that you feel like you should agree with him. The different types of rhetoric that King uses are perfect for the intended purpose. His play on pathos, or our emotions, is so that you really have to pay attention to discover it. The best example of his play on pathos is when he describes an even with his son, "Daddy, why do white people treat colored people so mean...
Words: 823 - Pages: 4
...Letter from a Birmingham Jail Analysis Ethos is author’s reputation, credentials and trustworthiness in an argument. King first establishes ethos in his letter through addressing the audience as "fellow clergymen." It lays out a warming and trustworthy tone that, despite his leadership, brings him onto familiar levels with the audience. In the second paragraph, King mentions “I have the honor of serving as president of Southern Christian Leadership conference". Through this, he has establishes his credibility to a greater extent. Through the first ten paragraphs King uses history to set up his credibility. He quotes Bible verses and stories, which reveals him as a knowledgeable man of God. King states “so I am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town. Like Paul, I must constantly respond to Macedonian call for aid." While establishing his virtuous nature, he also demonstrates his wisdom. He does so by quoting from historical figures such as Socrates, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and many other well-known leaders and reformers. He also shows a knowledge of the laws. His core argument focuses on the justice, which is a God given right that he and his people were not receiving. This idea is supported through the use of historical situations and court cases that are relevant to his argument. This allows the clergymen to understand better from where King’s argument grows. Pathos is a part of argument which touches the emotions of the reader. Martin...
Words: 625 - Pages: 3
...The Letter from Birmingham Jail is addressed to the clergymen who criticized the actions of Dr. King during their protests in Birmingham. First he addresses that he was called an outsider who has come to Birmingham to cause trouble (170). He defends his character in a serious but modest tone by showing that his organization SCLC operates throughout the South to insure justice for all and that some of the members had invited the organization to Birmingham. However he then elaborates more on the moral reason for his presence saying that he came to Birmingham to battle “injustice.” Because he believes that “all communities and states” are interrelated, he feels compelled to work for justice anywhere that injustice is being practiced. Dr. King...
Words: 809 - Pages: 4
