Martin Luther King
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" was a pleasure to read, and the tension of the civil rights movement during that time built quickly. On rereading, I had time to admire King's strategies through the use of ethos, logos, and pathos. On reflection, I was able to understand and appreciate the way King expressed significance of the civil rights movement.This letter is unquestionable a work of art. It is not a simple letter, because it reveals a lot and shows a range of emotions, but is very easy to read. In the opening paragraph King explains how he came across a letter that eight clergy members published in a local newspaper and proceeds to respond to their comments. King moves on in paragraphs 2 and 3 were he sets up his credibility and explains his reasons for being in Birmingham. The letter changes in paragraph four where we begin to see King's use of metaphors: "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality; tied in a single garment of destiny." King continues to explain his presence in Birmingham and begins to change the tone from introductory to confrontational. In paragraph 10 he raises questions that were not directly asked and proceeds to explain his actions. It is here King presents
He concludes by again expressing disappointment with white moderates for not joining his efforts as many other whites have. On sweltering summer days and crisp autumn mornings I have looked at the South's beautiful churches with their lofty spires pointing heavenward. He acknowledges that his program has raised tension in the South, but he explains that tension is necessary to bring about change. " He again uses the political structures of America by ending the paragraph with the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. He defends his actions against the clergymen's criticisms, particularly their argument that he is in too much of a hurry. King uses both analogy and authority in the following passage from paragraph 25: "Isn't this like condemning Socrates because his unswerving commitment to truth and his philosophical inquires precipitated the act by the misguided populace in which they made him drink hemlock?" Since Socrates is generally respected for his teachings on justice, his words and actions are likely to be considered appropriate to King's situation in Birmingham. But because it has been unexpressed, it is unhealthy and potentially dangerous. " The analogy asserts the following logical relationship: law and order are to progress toward justice what a dam is to water. " Still another thing that adds to my interest in this letter and increases the tension for me as a reader is the ability King has on word play. Furthermore, he argues that tension already exists. We get a dramatic and engaging argument in paragraphs 45, 46, and 47. It is his purpose is to inform the clergy of a new body of knowledge. This specific paragraph appeals to me because it gave me a strong visual image, almost as real to me as the memory of observing actions like these or seeing a film of them. For example, he continues to explain the cruel punishment blacks receive and their reasons to demand change now.
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