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Civil Rights Movements leader Martin Luther King Jr was imprisoned in Birmingham, Ala. after participating in a nonviolent protest. During his time in jail responded in a lengthy letter a groups concerns about him and his actions, who are his clear audience. In his letter, he addresses the difference between just and unjust laws, civil disobedience, and his issues with the white church and their leaders. His tone is cynical, as he questions the thoughts of those who oppose the movements in Birmingham. King’s writing with rhetorical devices is displayed throughout this letter. King uses allusions to Hitler and Hungary by saying how just because what they did was considered legal in their countries, didn’t mean it was right. The use of allusions allows the audience to be drawn into the letter and connect to it. Another rhetorical device applied by the author was rhetoric questions such as, “In your statement you asserted that our actions, even though peaceful, must be condemned because they precipitate violence. But can this assertion be logically made? Isn't this like condemning the robbed man because his possession of money precipitated the evil act of robbery?” The author attempts to get the readers to question themselves and the situations with these questions. Another rhetoric strategy used is anaphora in the lines “I don't believe you would have so warmly commended the police force if you had seen its angry violent dogs literally biting six unarmed, nonviolent Negroes. I don't believe you would so quickly commend the policemen if you would observe their ugly and inhuman treatment of Negroes here in the city jail.” The application of anaphora’s are intended to create emphasis on the situation. King effectively applies ethos by providing personal anecdotes and explaining what he and his family have been through. Pathos is effectively used when King talks about how his family had to sleep in their cars during a cross country trip because no motel would take them, evoking emotion. King also effectively uses logos when he cites the law.
Although I enjoyed this letter, I think it was a bit lengthy. King probably could’ve effectively argued his point without being wordy and including every example he could think of. He does acknowledge the absurd length of his letter at the end when he refers to it as a “book”. I do however believe that King argued his point effectively, as he easily points out the failure of white people to recognize their injustice toward African Americans. When King spoke about how his daughter and family felt, I was moved. It isn’t fair for a child so young to have to experience such discrimination. I wouldn’t mind reading more from King, as he was such an influential leader and this was a very important time period.
Luther King, Martin. Letter from Birmingham Jail.
Below is a mini biography on the man who wrote this letter, Martin Luther King Jr.