Analysis of Letter from a Birmingham Jail, Martin Luther King, Jr. Article - Essay Example

The direct action approach proposed by King is considered effective and capable of resulting in negotiations. King uses his authority as the person who has been president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The size of the organization which the king heads, seeks to establish the credibility of the king's authority.

His audience comprises fellow clergymen ad these people all have a previous understanding of the issues being discussed. The arguments fall into the categories of general and dismissal of evidence contexts. The general appeal is presented by his arguments and presentation of authority as a leader of an organization. The presentation of various facts in different situations indicates the dismissal of evidence. Pathos refers to a figurative speech that is aimed at appealing to the emotions of the audience and it is one of the most powerful strategies of public speaking.

It provides a way through which the author uses to demonstrate agreement with underlying issues with the audience. Logos refers to the presentation of a logical argument that seeks to appeal to the understanding of the audience about a topic. The presentation of logical information which is based on facts makes the speaker look knowledgeable on the subject under discussion. While it is a strong strategy for building credibility among the audience, many facts can confuse the audience. Ethos refers to the form of appeal which seeks to establish the authority and credibility of the author to the audience.

It seeks to present the author as someone well-qualified to speak on the topic being discussed. It is a strategy that enables the author to demonstrate mastery of the subject. King uses logos and pathos as the two most effective strategies in persuading his audience in the letter he has written. There are various facts that king presents within the context of the article which defines the logic of the argument being presented. He describes the case which happened involving the commissioner of public safety and uses it to present a solution to the current situation facing the clergymen.

Pathos has been effectively utilized within the context of the letter by describing the empathetic situation facing the clergymen. This is utilized when the king describes himself as the president of an organization; hence is credited as one of the persons affected by the same issues (King Center, para 2).