Letter from Birmingham Jail, by Martin Luther King Jr.

Writers attempt to leave out the parts that readers tend to skip. Martin Luther King in his letter, “Letter from Birmingham Jail”, uses this technique. In Mr. King’s letter his creativity and intricate usage of diction creates a meaningful letter. Not only does he illustrate picturesque ideas, but also, he uses rhetorical appeal and specific language and style to portray his message. His purpose is to inform the clergyman about Negros patiently waiting for the abolition of segregation and resentment toward the African American people.

Mr. King explains the hypocrisy that the clergymen are partaking in by referring to church ideology. Most of the common people are Christians and by their common teachings, it specifically states the principles that they abide by in their creed. However, the unjust laws that the majority are forming against the minority goes against their biblical practices of the Christian faith. Mr. King impudently states:

So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? In that dramatic scene on Calvary’s hill, three men were crucified. We must never forget that all three were crucified for the same crime—the crime of extremism. Two were extremists for immorality, and thus fell below their environment. The other, Jesus Christ, was an extremist for love, truth, and goodness, and thereby rose above his environment.

He purposely conveys the message acknowledging Jesus Christ, because Christians where treating his corresponding African American’s immorally wrong and participating in sinful acts such as lynching. Mr. King knew that Jesus C...

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... No matter how much harassment African Americans received from the white moderate they would still stand up for their beliefs of freedom and equality.

In Mr. King’s writing, he creates feelings of guilt in the clergymen’s hearts. In addition, knowing the church is what the clergyman value the most, he accuses the church for not attempting to take a stand on the sinful behavior of the white moderate. Mr. King recognizes this will change their outlook on segregation and inequality. Also, he knows that with suffering comes victory, just as Christ Jesus had to endure. In addition, he believes that Jesus is the most influential spiritual being known to the clergyman. Mr. King brought to their attention that he is an extremist just like Jesus. His view toward the clergyman is if he is to die for the sake of his beliefs, at least he will die with dignity.