...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
... 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, the city...
Words: 522 - Pages: 3
...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
...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
...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
...T’ona Jones Professor Michael Stowell EH 101-2BA February 21, 2013 A Word from Dr. King On April 16, 1963, 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...
Words: 763 - Pages: 4
...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
...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
...While being detained in a Birmingham city jail, amid the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. penned, “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1929, King would burgeon into a notable figure, who relentlessly pursued the eradication of ending racial inequalities that plagued the nation during the 1950s and 1960s. King single-handedly dismantled the cornerstone of injustice on which the country was built on, in not only to a response to eight of his fellow clergymen who chastised his rationale regarding protest, but to those of whom also deplored his methods. In a compiled 21 typed pages, that was initially composed on scraps of paper, King seamlessly wove together a riveting piece of literature that captured the essence of his cause for peace and brotherhood. In “Letter from Birmingham Jail,”, written on April 16, 1963, King harnessed the compelling nature of rhetoric while...
Words: 1375 - Pages: 6
...Martin Luther King Jr.ʻs (MLK) “Letter from Birmingham Jail” explore the insights of racial segregation in a new perspective. Furthermore, MLK includes supporting details relevant to the Civil Rights Timeline (CRT) in his letter to further support his perspective on racial segregation. Therefore, I will further explain the relevance of these rights and how MLK was able to input them into his beautifully compiled letter. First and foremost, one Civil Right that MLK used from the CRT in his letter was the Supreme Courtʻs decision to make school segregation unconstitutional. This civil right can be shown in “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” on paragraph 7, where it states “the Supreme Courtʻs decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public...
Words: 365 - Pages: 2
...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
...Seeing as how the years stretching from 1960 through 1969 encompass some of the most volatile in American history, it is only fitting that one of the most polarizing letters of all time finds its birthdate among them. Dr. Martin Luther King’s bluntly-titled “Letter from Birmingham Jail” is, on one scale, a tactful reply to public statements released by eight white religious leaders from the South who condemned the involvement and communal acceptance of “outsiders” in local civil rights protests; on another, it is an impeccably dense treatise regarding both the philosophical and biblical histories of human rights in the context of the 1960s decade. Even within a piece meant to unite rather than divide, however, King bears both the risk of alienating...
Words: 1508 - Pages: 7
...“A Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr. was written in the margins of a letter posted by the clergymen of Alabama at this time that sparked his interest and while he inhabited the jail cell for parading around without a permit. This time allowed him the ability to respond wholeheartedly to this cynical oppressing. King’s letter addresses specific points presented in the Clergymen’s and this direct response distinguishes King’s strong points through his powerful writing. Unethical and immoral mentions came to the attention of the Minister through the letter, and he expressed his differing views and defended his ideals and actions through Aristotle’s three rhetorical devices, ethos, logos, and pathos. First and foremost, King establishes his credibility to spark off his strong defense. Introducing himself as “The President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. … [with] eighty-five affiliated organizations across the South, and one of them is the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights” (“Letter from Birmingham Jail” 2). This credential not only puts King into a position of power but also proves that he has seen enough of the south and the problems within it to create a strong argument against his opposition. Another point that establishes this is on page seven of “Letter From Birmingham Jail” where King states that he’s traveled through the “length and...
Words: 1012 - Pages: 5
...“The Letter from the Birmingham Jail” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a response made to Clergymen who found Kings incarceration to be a result of his lack of wisdom as well as untimely action taken in response to events in Birmingham (King 1). Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia, he followed his fathers’ footsteps as a pastor while continuing his education at Morehouse College in Atlanta. Ultimately earning his doctorate at Boston University. While in Boston he met his would-be wife Coretta Scott, having two sons and daughters with her(Nobel). King is most well-known for his involvement in the Civil Rights movement, being the face of it for majority of his life. He advocated for people of color until his untimely death at the age of 35 in Memphis, Tennessee(Nobel). The “Letter from Birmingham Jail” is a response to Clergyman as well as the media for their remarks towards Kings actions in Birmingham which led to his arrest. King states in the second paragraph on page one that he was in the city due to the fact the ‘Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights’, a branch of the ‘Southern Christian Leadership Conference’ which Dr. King was president of,...
Words: 704 - Pages: 3
...In “Letter from Birmingham Jail”, Martin Luther King Jr. uses pathos, appealing to the audience’s emotions, in order to create an overwhelming feeling of understanding within the clergymen that he is responding to. Thus, this creates support for his argument that in a peaceful manner, it is the people’s moral responsibility to discontinue laws that are unjust and limiting to the individual. Throughout the letter, King’s goal is to create an uproar among the African American people in order for them to continue to stand up for their civil rights and open the eyes of people, such as the clergymen, to the severe injustice and hypocrisy that black people are being condemned to. When he says, “We have waited for more than three hundred and forty years for our God-given and constitutional rights,” King appeals to...
Words: 535 - Pages: 3
