Analysis Of Letter From Birmingham Jail

Not all of people can receive and reply to criticism nicely. Martin Luther King Jr. did. King’s open letter was written in 1963 in response to a public statement issued by eight white religious leaders of the South. In his letter, King addresses the clergymen’s concerns and explains relevant issues. Furthermore, he seeks the support of white men. King starts his letter by establishing credibility, he states his credentials and some personal accomplishments and continues to compare himself to other leaders throughout the letter. He uses logical explanations and defines key terms, and appeals to his audience’s emotions; however King slightly weakens his argument by prolonging the letter and giving different explanations, but makes up for the

He gives them the moral reasons and explains “injustices” that was happening in Birmingham. King continues to define the terms “just” and “unjust” laws and gives examples of both, and does so throughout the letter to appeal to his audience’s respect of law. He clarifies the process that made him choose direct action, and the time he chose. He gives a bulk of emotional scenarios and imagery describing the struggle he and his brothers and sisters were going through. He logically gives details to the process of organizing his actions and states “[W]e realized that we were the victims of a broken promise.” He further talks about his disappointment with the white church and its leadership and appropriately excludes some churches that have taken stands on the issue. Before closing, he mentions that it troubles him that Birmingham police used violence and that they were praised for doing so. He finishes his letter by more emotional statements and asks for forgiveness for the length of the letter and his potential overstatement of the

He starts by introducing some facts about him by saying that he is the president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and describes the organization’s importance. Another strategy is that he continues to compare himself to great leaders, saying “Just as the eight-century prophets…Just as the Apostle Paul” and “Just as Socrates.” He also justifies the accusation of being an extremist by stating, “Was not Jesus an extremist in love? …Was not Amos an extremist for justice? …Was not Paul an extremist for the gospel of Jesus Christ? …Was not John Bunyan an extremist? …Was not Thomas Jefferson an extremist?” Another strategy is quoting credible people that agree with his views and statements; King says, “I would agree with St. Augustine that “An unjust law is no law at all.” Saint Augustine was one of the authoritative figures of medieval philosophy whose influence reached the present day (Mendelson). King also says, “To use the words of Martin Buber, the great Jewish philosopher.” King uses little effective words like “[M]y Christian and Jewish brothers,” and “[F]ellow clergymen.” He further says, “[T]hat some of our white brothers have grasped the meaning of the social revolution and committed themselves to it,” and goes on to give the names of these people. He also states that he met many people that share his disappointment with the