Logan Schempf Mrs. Hamilton English III Per 6 16 October 2013 MLK Rhetorical Analysis Discussion 1. King introduces himself as a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. He introduces himself with these organizations to show that he is a man of good will and he is not trying to harm anyone. 2. King describes the church as the possible “true ekklesia” meaning that the church could be a major factor in the human rights movement if it participated and it could even be a key factor in promoting equal rights.
When a local judge wanted to put a stop to the protesting, Martin Luther King was arrested and sent to the Birmingham City Jail. While in jail, Martin Luther King received a letter written by white clergymen that was sent to the entire community. The letter asked people not to protest and to find other peaceful ways of solving racial discrimination. Martin Luther King was shocked by this letter and reacted by writing one of the most important arguments for civil disobedience. His letter is known as "The Letter From Birmingham City Jail."
Also, in his letter his tone was strong, but neither violent nor threatening towards the clergymen. Similarly, King portrays a sense of concern for the clergymen and they ways in which they are willing to obtain the peaceful ends they seek. He senses the still-present fear of the white community in the letter of complaints from the clergymen. King was offended by how the clergymen only planned on addressing the African American community for their actions while letting the whites go on with their violent and oppressive actions. Dr. King fought his whole career for equality amongst the races, meaning all communities with violent, racist actions should be addressed.
In this way, the Reverend places his mission of preaching freedom alongside the efforts of the prophets of old in terms of importance, and thus invites the reader to reflect upon the noble task he is undertaking. Because religion is so widely regarded as a sacred concept that should never be challenged, King’s comparison of religion to freedom is highly effective in convincing the reader that injustices committed upon a person’s freedom are not to be tolerated. King also covers the need for a more secular point of view by creating parallels between himself and Socrates, stating, “Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create
Each discussed the same issues, but their methods of achievement and ideas about equal opportunity differed as much as night and day. Although both greatly influential civil rights activists, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. had some very significant differences in their backgrounds and methods of delivery in their messages of equality. Both Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. spread their views through assertive, hard-hitting, powerful speeches. Nevertheless, their intentions were delivered in different styles and purposes. As an inspirational speaker, Martin Luther King Jr. traveled the country, giving speeches that motivated both blacks and whites to live in racial harmony.
Letter from Birmingham Jail Rhetorical Analysis In “Letter from Birmingham Jail”, Martin Luther King Jr. uses many different types of strategies to convince his reader bout his views on cultural segregation. King’s letter is a direct response to the eight white clergymen of Alabama. They believed that these civil rights movements should be fought in the courtrooms and not on the public streets of Birmingham. They referred to King’s action of protest as “’unwise and untimely’” ( qtd in King 289 ). Rather than writing a letter agreeing with the clergymen, King arouses his readers by bringing ethics, emotions, and logic to provoke thought and push his opinion about civil right protest.
MLK included biblical passages and references so these people could see where their morals and values lay – ‘glory of the Lord’. He also alludes to The Gettysburg Address, and the US Declaration of Independence – ‘black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. – also a triadic formation. When doing the speech, Martin Luther King had an extremely strongly powered voice, and an extremely strong persuasive voice, but behind his voice he needed words, powerful and persuasive words to make his speech convincing and memorable. Throughout the speech, he used many techniques that make this speech so iconic.
In the Beginning of the “Speech to the Virginia Convention”, Patrick Henry used Ethos in his speech to show respect and persuade his audience. For example, he said, “Mr. President: No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House”. He is saying that he show respects to the people that came before him. He also uses this statement, “It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country.” He refers to God because he knows the audience has great respect and faith for God.
King and Malcolm kept a perfect balance while they were alive. King urged protesters to remain peaceful while Malcolm stirred up protesters into violence. Together they kept African Americans seeking justice from becoming “do-nothings” or violent revolutionaries. Eventually King and Malcolm might have converged and joined together to attempt to reach their common goal. Malcolm once expressed to King’s wife an interest in joining the nonviolent movement.
Thus, King is a prophet for freedom like Paul, but also like Jesus in the way that it is his Job to be here in Birmingham. This provides him with the highest level of authority in the religious field. He suggests he has the support of God to wage his war against injustice. Therefore, since God has chosen him, it implies he is of higher moral standards just like his fellow clergyman, they are equal and share the same Christian Values. Relying on Christian Values he makes the point that what is going on in Birmingham should actually be affecting you, fellow clergyman.