Response for Letter from Birmingham Jail

1. In what sense is Letter from Birmingham Jail a Rogerian argument? What specific elements
of Rogerian argument does King use? Why is this form of argument suited to Kings overall
purpose?
King does now assert himself as an authority or try to put down the clergymen. He does
not have any bad intension in his letter. He simply wants to explain his reasoning and hopes they
understand where he is coming from and what he is standing for. He states, I am in Birmingham
because injustice is here. King address that the clergymen did not agree with the demonstration
but, he felt like they were left with no other option. King believed they had waited long enough
for a chance, for equality.
This form of argument is suited to Kings overall purpose because it continues to
demonstrate that he is being civil thru it all.
2. Where does king use analogies-historical and otherwise to strengthen his argument? Why do
you think he makes these particular comparisons? How are they related to his political goals?
King uses analogies in the 22nd paragraph where he states, We should never forget that
everything Adolf Hitler did in Germany was legal and everything the Hungarian freedom
fighters did in Hungary is illegal. He made this particular comparison, in my opinion, because it
should the comparison of what the Jewish community went through was considered legal and the
illegal actions of aiding a Jewish person. It was similar to what the African Americans were
going through at the time. The segregation was morally wrong yet nothing was being done to
change it. If whites stood up for African Americans they were kicked out of their churches and
sent to jail.

3. According to King what is direct action, and what is its purpose?

According to King, direct action is a crisis packed situation that cannot be ignored. The
purpose of direct action is to have people understand that you will not just sit at home being
ignored.
4. In many parts of his letter, King writes in a detached, almost scholarly style, citing
philosophers and theologians. Where does he use more emotional language? What do you think
he is trying to achieve with this language? Do you think this language effectively supports his
argument? Do you think it appealed to his original audience?
King uses emotional language in paragraph fourteen. He explains all the different unjust
and unmoral situations African Americans have had to endure. I do believe this language
supports his argument because it shows his reasoning for his demonstration. I dont think it
appeals his audience because the clergymen are part of the problem. They dont understand what
they are doing is wrong.
5. King makes two honest confessions in his letter. What are they? Why do you think he
characterizes these points as confessions?
Kings first honest confession is that over the past few years he has been gravely
disappointed with the white moderate. King hoped the white moderate would understand and
establish justice but they prefer a negative peace over a positive peace.
The second honest confession is his great disappointment with the church. He expected
the white church would see his point of view and support him but they remained silent.
King characterizes these two points of confession because he wants the readers to
understand what he had expected and how he has been disappointed.