Ethos Pathos Logos In Letter From Birmingham Jail

In 1963, when African-Americans were fighting for black and white equality, Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” While confined in the Birmingham jail, King felt the need to respond to a letter published in the local newspaper. This letter criticized King’s intentions during his visit by saying they were untimely. As a way to defend his actions, King put together a number of arguments and beliefs that proved why taking direct action was necessary during a time of racial discrimination. Furthermore, to persuade his audience, King had to gain trust and share the emotional connection he had with his people. Today, “Letter to Birmingham Jail,” is known for its articulate and powerful use of ethos, pathos, and logos.

The first thing King establishes in his letter is by using ethos to show the reader his role as a religious leader. He states, “I have the honor of

King reminds the reader that racial injustices engulf the community by stating, “Birmingham is probably the most thoroughly segregated city in the united states. Its ugly record of brutality is widely known. Negroes have experienced grossly unjust treatments in the courts. There have been many bombings of Negro homes and Churches in Birmingham than in any other city in the nation. These are hard, brutal facts.” (Martin Luther King 6) Because of those conditions, the blacks tried negotiation first and instead, received promises of false hope. A reader understands King had to use logos to show why direct action happened, as negotiation wasn’t promising. If they continued to try to negotiation, they would be left with false hope. Furthermore, a reader could view that logo as an appeal to one’s emotion, which makes his statement stronger. Not only is it logical, but it shows the reader just how rude black people were treated in