“A Letter from Birmingham Jail” written by Martin Luther King was an extremely influential letter that was articulated and presented into a masterpiece. The most important understanding is the core meaning of the letter that King wrote was emotional, but most of all an argument. On April 12, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. was incarcerated in Birmingham, Alabama, for protesting against the racial segregation that was taking place at the time. Injustice was taking place in Birmingham, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was invited to help and support the protests of this segregated city. King was considered an “outsider” for doing such actions. Martin Luther King Jr. used the three rhetorical appeals logos, ethos, and pathos to try to persuade the city that he was neither an instigator nor an outsider. …show more content…
He also uses loaded language, metaphors, and alliteration to help get his point across to his audience. For example, at the beginning of his letter he states that the demonstrations of the clergymen’s claim were “unwise and untimely.” He showed that he had a plan of direct action regarding ways to solve the issues at hand. The phrasing of this statement indicated that Martin Luther King Jr. was sympathetic towards the “Negro community,” and that he believed that the “white power structure” was at fault. Direct action was argumentative and showed that King understood the suggestions that were being made. Throughout the letter, King established himself as one who is well versed in the happenings of the community. He showed that he was willing to proceed with respect and dignity, but because of the emotional appeals that he feels compelled to make for his cause, he will not remain