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Rhetorical Devices In Letter From Birmingham Jail

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Martian Luther King, arguably one of the most influential and respected social activists of all time is best known for his I have a dream speech. However King was also the author of a persuasive masterpiece in the form of a letter that he wrote while incarcerated in a Birmingham jail, that up until recent years wasn’t as highly regard as his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. On April 16, 1963, while imprisoned, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote a letter addressed to eight clergymen who were allegedly concerned about what King was doing for civil rights. Dr. King’s response in the letter uses a great sum of rhetorical devices. Throughout his letter Dr. King used Ethos Pathos and Logos effectively. In order to support his avocation of non-violent protest and his reason for being in Birmingham. At the very beginning of his second paragraph in his letter, Dr. King quickly establishes his credibility, by explaining to the clergy men of his affiliation with the SCLC. King states: “I have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and organization operating in every southern state” (164). Kings ability to use Ethos here is adequate, because he uses his position and affiliation with the SCLC; in order …show more content…
Knew that he would face scrutiny for condoning this type of behavior and direct action. Moreover King knew that the clergymen along with other critiques would possible ask him why he allowed his followers to break the law. Which Stated that Negros where prohibited from entering places for whites only. Dr. King responded: “How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?” You ask “The answer lies in the fact that there are two types of laws: just and unjust” (165). Martin Luther King’s use of Ethos here allows the clergy men and his audience later to comprehend that. Jim Crow Laws where unjust and that the only way he and his people could combat these laws; was through direct

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