writing
500 words writing
Open the attached file to see the Reading the Text questions on King’s “Letter.” Review the essay once again, and then respond to the questions in a full and complete manner, offering specific examples from the text. When you are done, save your work and click the link above to submit it.
Letter from Birmingham Jail
by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Reading the Text Questions
1. How does King establish his ethos (i.e., his credibility, authority, or trustworthiness) in this essay? Offer at least two specific examples from the essay for support.
2. According to King, why is action now necessary, in terms of both place and time? In other words, why in Birmingham and why at this particular moment in American history?
3. Reread the paragraph that begins We have waited for more than 340 years and note Kings use of repetition of the phrase when you throughout. Do you find this to be an effective rhetorical strategy for achieving the letters purpose? Why or why not? Explain.
4. King describes two types of law: just and unjust. How does he define each of these? And do you agree with his definitions? Why or why not? Explain. Note: In responding to this question, look very carefully at the logical progression of ideas in this section, and think carefully about how King considers the broader audience of this letter (the American public).
5. According to King, what two opposing forces exist in the Negro community? How has King tried to stand between them? And why do you think he mentions this here? Explain.
6. In what ways has King been disappointed by white moderates? By the white church? Why do you think he details all of this in his letter? Explain.
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