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Rhetorical Devices In Letter From Birmingham Jail

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When thinking of the civil rights movement of the '50s-'60s one name stands out. Martin Luther King Jr. was at the forefront of the fight for civil rights, leaving a lasting impact in many different ways; The "Letter From Birmingham Jail '' and "I have a Dream" speech as examples. Within these texts, King utilizes rhetorical devices to strengthen his argument, and better impact the audience with the work's purpose. King starts his letter by directing it toward the clergymen. Also drawing attention to the fact that he is a religious figurehead as well. One of the most substantial ways to build credibility is to show off your own character. By starting the letter in this way he can build character, by using excerpts from the bible and seminal documents. Showing the audience that he is someone you can trust and knows what he is talking about. In paragraph two of the letter, he states "...president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference..."(Letter 2). Utilizing his full title in this way shows that King is a credible source in this argument. Within the letter he gives the audience an example of the work he has done, "...last September, came the opportunity to talk with leaders of Birmingham's economic community." (Letter 7). He also …show more content…

Using the examples of a family in this section allows anyone reading the letter to connect in personal ways, "...to explain to your six-year-old daughter why she can't go to the public amusement park..." (Letter 14). An example in King's speech is, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin..." (Speech 20). This quote shows that he, as a parent, yearns for a better world for his children to grow up in. One of the strongest ways to get someone to feel for your cause is apathy. Using these sections adds an emotional depth that creates richness within the

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