Rhetorical Devices Used In Letter From Birmingham Jail

“Letter from Birmingham Jail” Analyzing Paragraphs 15 - 22

African-Americans’ rights and liberties were suppressed heavily at the time Dr. King wrote this letter and he played an essential part in facilitating equality and the riddance of unjust laws. Through various speeches, demonstrations, letters, and gatherings he managed to peacefully stand for what he believed what was to be morally right. Throughout Dr. King’s letter from jail, he uses many rhetorical devices in order to highlight the moral duty he and his constituents have to act against injustice. Dr. King employs various logos arguments, rhetorical questions, , and a carefully constructed tone to create his peaceful argument to the clergymen and show them that he actually need

King also writes a plethora of rhetorical questions in his letter. By doing this, Dr King manages to keep his audience of the clergymen engaged and it forces the readers to stop and pause after each question and giving them the opportunity to reflect over what Dr. King was asking. For example, King says, “How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?” Dr. King is asking this as a question the clergymen might be wondering, and he goes on to answer it by saying that the laws he wants to abolish are the unjust ones. Another example is seen when Dr. King asks, “Who can say that the legislature of Alabama which set up that state’s segregation laws was democratically elected?” He was asking this in response to the minority not being allowed to vote. This question supports an example of just one of many unjust laws, and the clergymen must stop and at least reflect briefly. This strategy makes it seem as if he is attempting to answer any questions the clergymen might have and it makes his argument seem more plausible. By asking these questions, Dr. King manages to have a conversation with the clergymen without them actually responding. By approaching both sides, Dr. King is taking a more sensible approach on why he believes he can act on the injustice he

King writes this letter to the clergymen in an assertive and sensible tone without making his views seem confrontational. By doing this, he manages to prove his point clearly while being polite to the clergymen. He knows he doesn’t want to lose his audience because he believes his message is important. Also, his politeness shows that he always takes a nonviolent and non-aggressive approach to his cause, even verbally. For example, Dr. King states, “I hope you are able to see the distinction I am trying to point out. In no sense do I advocate evading or defying the law, as would the rabid segregationist. That would lead to anarchy. One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty.” His sensible nature is seen in that he is attempting to explain his views from both sides. By saying how he he does not advocate breaking the law he compares it to as something a rabid segregationist would do. He points out the unsensible and shows that he would rather break an unjust law openly and being willing to accept the penalty. At the beginning of this excerpt Dr. King also directly addresses the clergymen in an attempt to make him appear more affable and appealing. The ability of Dr. King to prove his point with morality and sensibility and not confrontation and aggression makes his argument more persuasive as it makes Dr. King stand out from others that want change in the unjust laws. Dr. King has the power to be able