Essay on “Letter from Birmingham Jail”

In Dr. Martin Luther Kings Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” Kings justifies his methods of achieving negotiations known as direct action. He solidifies his arguments by alluding to the Birmingham local governments inability to solve the daily injustices suffered by African Americans. His use of imagery and word choice convey an emotional response that challenges the clergymen to see the topic from his perspective. King’s persuasive style of writing includes logical arguments and allusions to respected historical figures. King’s use of powerful images of the daily plight endured by African Americans, invoke an emotional response from the audience. His ability to individualize stories of injustice and segregation present the larger issue of civil rights in a way that the clergymen can relate to.

King set the tone early in his letter by respectfully responding to the concerns of the clergymen. He begins by addressing the opposing viewpoint, disapproval of direct action, and their proposal to negotiate a plan. King responds by agreeing that negotiation is the best alternative; nevertheless, he offers a justification of his use of direct action. Before considering direct action he explains his four step plan. First, facts are collected of facts is done to ensure injustices are being committed in the community. If so, negation begins to take place to solve the issue in this case however his efforts to negotiate failed: “Negro leaders sought to negotiate with the city fathers. But the latter consistently refused to engage in negotiation.” (88) He then began the process of self purification in which those who are oppressed are trained to handle any physical or mental abuse they may encounter while participat...

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... who have suffered daily injustice that they must wait.

King continues to appeal to the emotion by individualizing the injustices suffered by many. He gives specifics of his young daughter crying and his son asking why white people treat him so poorly. These images work to evoke empathy for Kings cause and the civil rights movement.

Kings use of direct action was the direct result from the lack of corruption from the city of Birmingham. He makes strong arguments as to why direct action is necessary, in order to allow for positive change. He address’s the concerns and suggestions of the clergymen in a respectful way, showing that he his not th emery. HIs peraibe style of writing suggest that both he and the clergymen should work to solve injustices in the com minty. Ultimately King’s essay become one of the most famous letters during the Civil Rights movement .