1) What is the central purpose of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s letter?
- The central purpose of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s letter is to stop slavery.
- The central purpose of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s letter is to respond to the criticism of eight white clergymen who criticized King for promoting disobedience of segregation laws.
- The central purpose of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s letter is to gain alliance with other black organizations, as the NAACP, so that they would bail him out of jail.
- The central purpose of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s letter is to respond to the the youth.
2) How do the allusions that King uses in his letter help the audience relate to him and what he is saying?
- Most of the allusions are ones from the bible to appeal to his "fellow clergymen."
- Most of the allusions that he made are references to Greek Mythology, comparing himself to Antigone.
- Most of the allusions were to American documents, showing the similarities between the founding fathers and himself.
- Most of the allusions are to Shakespeare; he knew that he was associated with intelligence and class.
3) What evidence does King give as to why he deserves to be in Birmingham?
- Firstly, King explains that he is part of the community. He further suggests that all black people should be supportive of this cause.
- Firstly, King explains that he was invited to Birmingham by a religious affiliate.
- Firstly, King explains that he is willing to give his life for all people to be created .
- Firstly, King explains that he was invited to Birmingham by slaves.
4) To King, what is the difference between just and unjust laws?
- Just laws are laws that coincide with Dioneses's laws. Unjust laws are laws that do not align with unjust thought.
- Just laws are manmade laws that coincide with biblical laws. Unjust laws are manmade laws that do not align with biblical law.
- Just laws are laws that coincide with manmade ideals. Unjust laws are manmade laws align with justice.
- Just laws are manmade laws that coincide with Thenos. Unjust laws are manmade laws that do not align with Thenos.
5) How does this letter help summarize the atmosphere in Birmingham in the early 1960’s
6) What metaphor does King use to close the letter, and why is it appropriate?
Answer:
- The central purpose of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s letter is to respond to the criticism of eight white clergymen who criticized King for promoting disobedience of segregation laws.
- Most of the allusions are ones from the bible to appeal to his "fellow clergymen."
- Firstly, King explains that he was invited to Birmingham by slaves.
- Just laws are manmade laws that coincide with biblical laws. Unjust laws are manmade laws that do not align with biblical law.
- This letter shows the profound debate at the time about how to develop the fight for civil rights for African Americans, wether with violent or peaceful actions, and the profound racism still prevalent in society.
- "Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear drenched communities, and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty". King uses metaphors about the weather after a storm, signifying the harsh times that will eventually be left behind.
Explanation:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote his "Letter from Birmingham Jail" as a response to “A Call for Unity”, the statement made by eight white Alabama clergymen against King's nonviolent methods. He refers to religious themes ("the most sacred values in our Judaeo Christian heritage") to
interpellate his "fellow clergymen."
