Question

In the sentence "There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into an abyss of injustice," the bolded phrase creates a mood of __________ among the audience.
panic


despair


anger


anticipation




Which of the following lines from King's letter is meant to be interpreted literally?


The quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of human dignity.


In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps.


There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over.


Men are no longer willing to be plunged into an abyss of injustice.




Which type of figurative language is used in the following line from Martin Luther King Jr.'s letter?


"in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood."


Metaphor


Simile


Personification


Symbol

Answer 1

1. In my opinion, the correct answer is C. anger. This phrase doesn't give the audience a reason to panic or despair, and it is far too strong to cause mere anticipation. It causes downright anger because, according to the speaker, the injustice continues in spite of all the efforts. This is an appeal to ethos, a very delicate matter that is supposed to engage the listeners, rather than just move them emotionally.

2. In my opinion, the correct answer is B. In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps. It is the only option that doesn't have a metaphor or some other trope. It simply tells us a fact about nonviolent campaigns. The other options have these tropes (non-literal meanings): "quicksand of racial injustice", "solid rock of human dignity"; "cup of endurance"; "abyss of injustice".

3. In my opinion, the correct answer is D. symbol. A symbol is a simple but universally understandable way to present abstract concepts. "Radiant stars" are the symbol of a great ideal that "shines" above all humanity - and that is equality fueled with love and brotherhood. Luther uses this symbol on purpose, as it adds a universal dimension to his speech, elevating it above the particular historical and political context.