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Rhetorical Devices In Letter From Birmingham Jail

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On April 16th 1963, while in jail in Birmingham, Martin Luther King Jr. writes a letter to the clergymen responding to their criticism of his actions. The clergymen of Birmingham were criticizing Dr. King for leading peaceful protests against Jim Crow laws. Throughout the letter, Marin Luther King Jr. responds to a newspaper article, argues for change, justifies his action, and answers the statement that activities are "unwise and untimely". While writing his letter, Dr. King uses rhetorical devices and appeals to develop his argument that he is not an outsider, and that change is needed for things to become better. In the beginning of Dr. Kings letter, he manipulates rhetorical devices to prove his credibility. The way he does this is by utilizing ethos, allusions, and juxtapositions. He uses ethos to declare that he is present because he has "organizational ties here." this indicates his reliability. The meaning of the rhetorical device ethos, is to show that he should not be estranged seeing that he has connections. Another way Dr. King evinced his credibility is by using biblical …show more content…

King claims that disobedience to unjust laws is necessary. Dr. King utilizes examples from the history of other nations, and America itself. Since Dr. King is writing to fellow clergymen, he references an example from the Bible to help support his claim. In the older times, Christians were "willing to face hungry lions and the excruciating pain of chopping blocks rather than submit to certain unjust laws of the Roman Empire." Using this piece of evidence to support his claim that disobedience to unjust laws is necessary, Dr. King is able to send a message to the clergymen. Furthermore, Dr. King integrates how in America, "the Boston Tea Party represented a massive act of civil disobedience." Inserting these examples into his letter has given substantial proof to reinforce the claim that insubordination to unjust laws is needed to make a

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