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  • Essay / Use of Rhetoric in the “Letter from Birmingham Jail”

    The famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin King Luther Jr. is one of the best writings I have ever read because of of his ability to present ideas and create a thorough idea and create a detailed argument for why what he was doing was right. Throughout this article, King used rhetoric to persuade his readers and craft a convincing argument. The use of logos, ethos and pathos was everywhere as he tried to convince a group of clergy who challenged his right to protest by calling him an outsider and an extremist. I think the use of logos was the most powerful and important because it logically proves each point made objectively and uses indisputable evidence to support its statements. First, Martin King Luther used logos throughout his letter. He has clarified the reasons for his argument and supports them well. These arguments are logical in their appeal. For example, at the beginning of his letter, he responds to clerics' claims that the protests are reckless and ill-timed. He states that the black community had no choice but to prepare for direct attack....