Letter From Birmingham Jail

Context (Rhetorical Situation)

King has been imprisoned for leading protests against racial discrimination in Birmingham

Movements have been pushing for equal rights and the end of segregation in southern states

King's letter is in response to criticism of his presence in Birmingham

Writers' Purpose

Defend his action of leading protests

Compare unjust laws with God's Word

Call to action for White Christians to support civil rights for all people

Rhetorical Strategies

Thesis: King's presence in Birmingham is a response to injustices there

Refutation: Clergy in Birmingham called King's actions untimely, law-breaking, and extreme

Claims: King emphasized his unity with readers' beliefs in the Word of God and that the Church must participate in seeking freedom for all

Audience

White moderates

Sympathetic to King's cause

Informed about King's situation (that he has been imprisoned for leading protests)

Birmingham Clergymen

hostile to King's cause

Know God's Word (King uses this to find common ground)

Informed about King's situation

Maybe uninformed/confused

Predisposed to reject King's argument

Influencial/Powerful

Means of Persuasion

Pathos

Ethos

Logos

Unjust laws should be challenged

Obedience to God is the higher calling

Black citizens are experiencing terrible injustices

King's position in Southern Christian Leadership Conference

King's knowledge of American laws and leaders

Language establishing unity ("we" and "us")

Responding to a Question

Clergy: Why are you causing trouble by protesting racial discrimination? Why don't you stop for the sake of unity?

King explains his actions arguing that all people are interconnected and therefore affected by racism.