Introduction: “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
“Letter from Birmingham Jail” is a respectful letter written by Martin Luther King on April 16, 1963, to eight clergymen, whom he addresses as his “Dear Fellow Clergymen” in the salutation of his letter, responding to the letter they wrote to him. In this letter, Martin Luther King concludes, after reading their letter, that his fellow clergymen have raised two main points: first, they oppose the direct action he is leading in Birmingham, and second, they object to “demonstrations by some of our Negro friends,” feeling that such actions are not justified in any way (“Public Statement by Eight Alabama Clergymen”). Since they disapprove of the direct action and demonstrations led by Martin Luther King in Birmingham, he aims to clarify the extent of segregation in Birmingham, emphasizing that it is more oppressive there than in other areas in the South.
Martin Luther King assumes that he is addressing white moderate individuals who are advising him and his friends to exercise restraint and wait for the appropriate time. Based on these realities and assumptions, Martin Luther King utilizes rhetorical devices such as ethos, pathos, logos, figures of speech, and various supporting details to keep his audience engaged and convey his message in the most suitable manner.
Strategies in “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
In terms of strategies, Martin Luther King has employed a comprehensive array of classical devices. He establishes his own leading role as a form of ethos, emphasizing his position as the “President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference” to counter accusations of inciting hatred and violence by the clergymen (King). This assertion is crucial to maintain his status as an educated and distinguished figure, rather than being perceived as an ordinary individual. Regarding ethos, James D. Williams argues that it encompasses “the character, the customs, the deeds, and the life of those on who do the pleading,” underscoring its significant role (350). King exemplifies ethos according to Williams, aiming to make his audience recognize him as an authority figure.
Secondly, King extensively quotes Christian saints such as Apostle Paul, Jesus Christ, and St. Augustine, among others, to reinforce his arguments. This serves to show that he is not the first to address these issues and that he can support his stance with authoritative figures. Furthermore, he draws parallels between the situation of African Americans and that of early Christians, as well as with the esteemed philosopher Socrates. This incorporation of comparisons and contrasts constitutes the use of logos, strengthening his argument with historical and philosophical references.
In addition, King strategically mentions that the time is right, employing the classical device of kairos, which emphasizes the use of the opportune moment for making an argument. This suggests that he is mindful of choosing the right time to convey his message effectively.
Pathos in “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
Certainly, Martin Luther King effectively employs pathos, appealing to the emotions of his audience, and this is most evident in a paragraph where he vividly describes the emotional impact of racial injustice on children. He paints a poignant picture of a father trying to explain to his six-year-old daughter why she can’t go to the public amusement park, the tears welling up in her eyes, and the ominous clouds of inferiority forming in her mind. This emotional narrative aims to evoke empathy and a visceral response from the reader.
In commenting on King’s use of rhetorical devices, Martin Lee Roy observes that “The reader is forced to concede that serious injustices must be addressed without delay” (Roy). This highlights the effectiveness of King’s emotional appeal in bringing attention to the urgency of addressing racial injustices.
Moreover, King employs figurative language, such as a powerful metaphor, to enhance the beauty and impact of his language. The metaphor “There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged over into an abyss of injustice” conveys the idea that there is a limit to one’s patience and tolerance for injustice. This metaphorical expression adds depth and resonance to his argument, making it more compelling.
In summary, King’s skillful use of pathos, along with figurative language and other rhetorical devices, contributes to the strength and impact of his argument in “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”
Evidences in “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
Martin Luther King strengthens his strategies by incorporating relevant data and quotes, drawing from a diverse range of sources. He not only references Christian figures, priests, and laws but also includes quotes from Grecian sages like Socrates and even cites dictators such as Adolf Hitler to fortify his arguments. This broad use of quotations from various contexts adds depth and authority to King’s discourse.
Steven Lynn aptly captures King’s ability to find and use quotes effectively, likening topics in classical rhetoric to a search engine that guides the speaker or writer to pertinent material (77). King’s adept use of quotes contributes to the persuasive force of his arguments, allowing him to draw on a rich tapestry of perspectives and authorities.
Furthermore, to validate his strategies, King quotes from statutes and laws, referencing the Supreme Court Decision of 1954, which declared segregation at public places illegal. This legal reference serves to counter the clergymen’s suggestion that the cause should be pursued through the courts (“Public Statement by Eight Alabama Clergymen”). King aligns the Supreme Court’s decision with their own recommendation to seek justice in the courts, highlighting the logical consistency of his actions. Additionally, it may serve as a response to legal restrictions imposed on his protests, as Michael Leff notes that the city’s attorneys obtained an injunction forbidding King from sponsoring or participating in demonstrations (Leff).
King’s use of rhetorical questions, such as “Why direct action? Why sit-ins, marches, and so forth?” further bolsters his argument. These questions engage the audience and prompt them to consider the rationale behind his actions, making his argument more compelling and capturing the audience’s attention. Overall, King strategically employs data, quotes, and rhetorical questions to enhance the persuasiveness of his letter.
Audience of “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
The primary audience for Martin Luther King’s letter is indeed the eight clergymen to whom he directly addresses in the salutation. However, it is crucial to recognize that, beyond the clergymen, King extends his message to a broader audience. He implicitly speaks to the common African American population, white moderates who advocate for patience, and essentially, anyone who identifies as a true Christian or American believing in freedom, liberty, and equality as outlined in the Constitution.
While the letter may have the appearance of a public address, S. Jonathan Bass notes that it appears more like a sermon than a direct correspondence and suggests that it was intended for a larger audience than just the eight clergymen who initially wrote to him (120). In this way, King broadens the scope of his message, inviting a wider readership to consider the issues at hand.
Moreover, King provides guidance to his fellow African American activists, emphasizing the importance of non-violence in their pursuit of justice. By doing so, he reinforces the principles of the civil rights movement and encourages unity and discipline among those working towards social change. Overall, while the immediate addressees are the eight clergymen, King’s letter resonates with a more extensive and diverse audience, appealing to those who share his vision of equality and justice.
Conclusion: “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
In short, Martin Luther King strategically employs a combination of classical and contemporary rhetorical strategies to enhance the power of his arguments. The strength of his rhetoric lies not only in the effective use of strategies but also in the validity of his points and the inclusion of quotations from diverse sources and authorities. King utilizes various linguistic features to make his argument both convincing and impactful. He demonstrates a keen understanding of his audience and employs specific elements to tailor his message to resonate with them. King’s language is not only powerful but also convincing, as he carefully considers the timing of his argument. Recognizing the opportune moment for direct action, he emphasizes that the time has come to take a stand against segregation in the United States. This decision is informed by the preceding steps of fact-finding, negotiation, and self-purification that he outlines in his letter. Ultimately, Martin Luther King confronts the pacifism advocated by the eight clergymen, asserting that direct action is the appropriate response to the injustice of segregation. His strategic use of language and timing contributes to the effectiveness of his argument and strengthens his call for civil rights and equality in the United States.
Works Cited: “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
- Bass, S. Jonathan. Blessed are the Peacemakers: Martin Luther King, Jr., Eight White Religious Leaders, and the “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” LSU Press. 2001. Print.
- King, Martin Luther. “Letter from Birminghan.” UPENN. 16 Apr. 1963. https://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html. Accessed on 07 Jun. 2022.
- Leff, Michael. “ISSA Proceedings 2002 – Rhetoric and Dialectic in Martin Luther King’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail.” Rozenberg Quarterly. n. d. Web. http://rozenbergquarterly.com/issa-proceedings-2002-rhetoric-and-dialectic-in-martin-luther-kings-letter-from-birmingham-jail/. Accessed on 07 Jun. 2022.
- Lynn, Steven. Rhetoric and Composition: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press. 2010.
- Martin, Lee Roy. “Letter from Birmingham City Jail.” Masterplots, Fourth Edition, November 2010, pp. 1-2. EBSCOhost, //search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lfh&AN=103331MP420939820000649&site=ehost-live. Accessed on 07 Jun. 2022.
- “Public Statement by Eight Alabama Clergymen.” Mass Resistance. http://www.massresistance.org/docs/gen/09a/mlk_day/statement.html. Accessed on 07 Jun. 2022.
- Williams, James D. An Introduction to Classical Rhetoric: Essential Readings. John Wiley & Sons. 2009. Print.
Relevant Questions About “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
- How does Martin Luther King Jr. address the criticism of “outsiders” in his “Letter from Birmingham Jail”?
- What rhetorical strategies does Martin Luther King Jr. employ to convey his message in “Letter from Birmingham Jail”?
- How does Martin Luther King Jr. draw on religious and philosophical references in “Letter from Birmingham Jail” to support his civil rights arguments?
