Kaley Key

Letter From A Birmingham Jail

1. The letter is a Rogerian argument because he does not try to win the argument. He tries to find common ground. I think this was a good strategy because it adds to his character as an individual and as a leader. 2. Martin Luther King Jr. uses analogies throughout his entire letter. He references the Bible Socrates, the Jew in the Holocaust, and of course, the treatment of blacks throughout time. Using allusions strengthens his argument because they are first hand examples comparing meaningful accounts to the treatment blacks are receiving. 3. Direct action is speaking out against what is being done to change the treatment of African Americans. In his opinion, waiting is not helping the matter, because they have waited long enough. 4. Martin Luther King Jr. uses emotional language when he refers to the Bible and when he discusses the disappointment in the church. I think he tries to convey to the audience how passionate he is about his religion and his reasons for his actions. I think it would have appealed to his original audience because it would have opened their minds to what he deems as important. 5. The two confessions are that he is disappointed in the white moderate and also the church. In think he addresses them as confessions because he is voicing his opinion of others, which could be taken harshly. I also think it appeals to the readers emotions in this way.