King's letter from Biminghm Jail - Essay Example

Because according to them, demonstrators were supposed to use correct channels in presenting their grievances and not nonviolence demonstrations. Contrary to their opinion, Luther was not ready to do what they were advocating. Blacks had obediently followed those legal channels for decades in vain and what they could hear was the word “wait”. Therefore, they resulted to direct action or “constructive” and “health tension” as the most appropriate approach if the oppressor was not ready to yield to their demands (Luther 2).

This essay seeks to do an in-depth analysis of how Luther in his letter has adequately and skilfully managed to balance logos, pathos as well as ethos in quest of replying varied questions from the then clergy. Luther’s letter while incarcerated in Birmingham’s jail was not only a reply but acted as an educative document meant for the clergy who showed state of utter ignorance (Luther 3). In his quest to show his credibility and character worth of what the clergymen were accusing him of doing contrary to the required norm, he declares his position as a leader.

He mentioned that he had the honour of being Southern SCLC’s leader besides being aware of what the Blacks were undergoing. Hence, mentioning this establishes his credibility to great extent not only as among one of the Blacks but also as a leader who have heeded the call of freedom by coming to Birmingham to agitate for Blacks rights. In addition, he utilizes the first ten paragraphs to show his credibility by relaying varied historical injustices that justified nonviolent action and demonstration.

He goes to the extent of quoting the bible verses meant to convey to the clergymen that despite his actions, he was holy and virtuous. At one time, in the letter Luther utilizes his knowledge to depict the aspect of “extremism”, which both the clergy and government were referring that,