Introduction
Racism and discrimination are acute social issues that have impacted every individual throughout the history of the United States. However, while nowadays, society is on its way to becoming more tolerant, only half a decade ago, racism was a matter of life or death. Violence based on discrimination caused much pain to the oppressed due to injustice and inequality. This was a problem raised by Martin Luther King Jr., a well-known and respected activist and minister. In his 1963 letter, King emphasizes how injustice affects every person and insists that remaining silent is not an option. The author influences the audience by establishing a connection with it and using metaphors, confidence, rhetorical questions, ethos, pathos, and logos.
Ethos
The first element of the rhetorical appeal of Martin Luther King Jr. is ethos, which helps the author introduce himself, set the issue, and connect with the readers. In the beginning, King states that he serves at the “Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every Southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia,” which helps open his speech (1). At this point, his goal is to find a connection with his readers before delving deeper into the matter of injustice. King further establishes his authority and proves that his ideas are relevant by mentioning some actions of the organization he belongs to and the reasoning behind them. For example, the author states, “Whenever necessary and possible, we share staff, educational and financial resources with our affiliates” (King 1). This information proves to the audience that they can believe his words because King himself is involved in what he promotes.
Pathos
Next, Martin Luther King Jr. skillfully demonstrates rhetorical appeal through the incorporation of pathos. Throughout his letter, the readers can observe the use of vivid language and inspirational quotes, which serve as a call for action against injustice in the nation. For instance, the author emphasizes that unfairness in any sphere or area threatens universal justice everywhere, which must inspire people to see the unfair reality and admit the urgency of such a matter (King 1). King further states that “we know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed” (King 2). These words illustrate that enduring pain, humiliation, and violation of human rights is not an option. Additionally, the activist uses metaphors in his letter, such as the following: “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny” (King 1). This metaphor is used to implicitly demonstrate the condition in which all the oppressed are stuck and that this pain affects every individual. As a result, through the element of pathos, King inspires his audience and influences readers’ feelings.
Logos
The third rhetorical appeal used in the writing is based on logic. The author of the letter confidently communicates and illustrates it through personal perspectives and visions of the future. King claims that it is logical that future generations will see justice. According to him, “oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The urge for freedom will eventually come” (King 4). By incorporating personal beliefs in the logical reason for the societal transformation, the minister is capable of persuading the readers. Another example of his use of logic is the explanation that demonstrations take place in Birmingham because “the white power structure of this city left the Negro community with no other alternative” (King 1). In this case, the success of rhetorical appeal in terms of logos in the letter is connected with the logical reasoning and belief of the author.
Rhetorical Questions
The final rhetorical device that the author of the letter uses to establish a strong connection with the readers is asking rhetorical questions. For instance, King asks: “How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?”, explaining then that laws can be divided into just and unjust (King 3). The inclusion of rhetorical questions allows the author to make the readers think first, find answers within themselves, and then agree or disagree with the following explanation. A dialogue between the reader and the writer is established, and it is more likely that Kind can successfully impact the audience’s views. Further, another question is what the author supposes his readers may want to know “Why direct action, why sit-ins, marches, and so forth? Isn’t negotiation a better path?” (King 2). The fact that King mentions such questions allows him to prove that he understands his audience and respects that people can have questions, and he is happy to respond to them. o
Conclusion
To conclude, King used logical reasoning, appeals to his authority and readers’ emotions, connection, and rhetorical questions to inspire the audience by emphasizing how injustice affects everyone and that staying silent is not an option. The first component of King’s rhetorical appeal is ethos, which aids the author in introducing himself and establishing the context. Furthermore, by incorporating pathos, King expertly exemplifies rhetorical appeal. Readers may see how he uses vibrant language and motivational phrases throughout the whole letter. King’s letter makes a persuasive argument based on the logic of a bright future, which he supports with personal insights. Eventually, the use of rhetorical questions allows the author to stay connected with his readers and show that he appreciates them.
Work Cited
King, Martin Luther Jr. “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” California State University, 1963. Web.