"Letter From Birmingham Jail" by M. L. King Jr.

Question 1

step 1

Answer 1

King, Jr., religious minister, Civil Rights Activist

Question 2

step 2

Answer 2

response to criticisms regarding his demonstrations, written while in jail

Question 3

step 3

Answer 3

“fellow” clergymen who criticized his actions

Question 4

step 4

Answer 4

argue that his actions were justified

Question 5

step 5

Answer 5

appeals to ethos using allusions, rhetorical questions

Question 6

step 6

Answer 6

objective, cordial

Question 7

note

Answer 7

• “in any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps”
• “we would present our very bodies as a means of laying our case before the conscience of the locals” (purpose)
• “you deplore the demonstrations that are presently taking place in Birmingham” (occasion)
• “you are exactly right in your call for negotiations” (audience)
• “i have the honor of serving as president of the southern christian leadership conference” (speaker)
• “I have earnestly worked and preached against violent tension” (speaker)