King's Letter from Birmingham Jail

      Martin Luther King Jr's Letter from Birmingham Jail is very in-depth, and point proving as he is writing to critics and explaining his standpoint. Birmingham was struggling with segregation and great injustice, so as he had organizational ties to the area, he went to become engaged in a nonviolent direct-action program. The purpose was to create a situation that would open the door to negotiation. Stating how former prophets left their comfort zone to spread the gospel, he was compelled to spread the gospel of freedom beyond his home town (699). As he quoted theologians and philosophers in a scholarly way, he did not hesitate to apply pathos in his letter. The emotional appeal that is very much present throughout the letter was meant to convince his reasoning to individuals with genuine good will. The word, "Wait!", had been applied much too long, and he used emotion when he described seeing vicious mobs lynch one's parents, and hateful policemen curse, abuse, and even kill negro family and friends. The pain of explaining to one's children that an amusement park will not let colored children inside, nor will hotels, is demonstrating emotion as waiting would just not do any longer (701). King used this emotional language to sway the public and to reach them in ways in order to solve the issue at stake. After many attempts to bring justice to African Americans, he hoped that taking this stand would complete the task. This language effectively supports his argument because without this approach, it would seem empty and ineffective. Through the years and violence, no negotiation was considered, but with this action and letter, a negotiation was inevitable. Emotional appeal was very much needed as Martin Luther King Jr. changed the outcome for Negroes all around the country.

Works Cited

King, Martin Luther Jr. "Letter from Birmingham Jail."Practical Argument: A Text and Anthology.  By Laurie G. Kirzner and Stephen R. Mandell. Boston:Bedford/ St.Martins, 2011. 698+. Print.