Literary Components of Analysis Letter From Birmingham Jail

MLK Letter From Birmingham

A Rhetorical Appeal for Justice

Martin Luther King, Jr. was arrested in 1963 in Birmingham, Alabama as a direct consequence of his participation in demonstrations against segregation. It was during this time that King wrote "Letter from a Birmingham Jail." This letter was a response to the open letter "A Call for Unity" which aimed to promote non-violent protests in the area. In King's response to "A Call for Unity," he details his reasoning behind his actions and also details the imminent social threat that was looming over the South. Through his use of commiseration, analogy and allegory, and paradox, King is able to argue the pitfalls of segregation and the consequences of inaction.

In order to be the most effective, King compares himself metaphorically and similarly to religious figures to explain his purpose in Birmingham and within the civil rights movement. King does not intend to make himself appear to be better or more significant than those that he marches alongside, but rather aims to demonstrate that he is just like them. Furthermore, King wants to establish that his actions are not selfishly motivated, but rather that he wants to establish precedence for others and give them the opportunity to experience the equality that they deserve. King clearly explains that he is compelled to become involved in the demonstrations because of his ties with the Southern Leadership Christian Conference. He further explains, "Several months ago the affiliate here in Birmingham asked us to be on call to engage in a nonviolent direct action program if such were deemed necessary. We readily consented, and when the hour came we lived up to our promise. So I, along with several members of my staff, am here because I was invited here. I am here because I have organizational ties here." Through this statement, King is using a metaphor to show his interest in the cause. King does not seek to single himself out, but rather explains that his interests and his organization's interests are one. In this sense, King is stating that wherever his organization is located, so is he.

In "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," King uses metaphorical comparison of himself and a prominent religious figure, in conjunction with allegory, to explain his position and give the reader a backdrop for his beliefs. King accomplishes this by comparing himself to the Apostle Paul. King writes, "so am I compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town. Like Paul, I must constantly respond to the Macedonian call for aid." King uses simile to align his values and goals with that of the Apostle Paul and he seeks to spread the word of injustice to anyone and everyone who is willing to listen. King sees himself as a metaphorical apostle who is compelled to travel to distances far and wide to spread the word of (in)justice.

By referencing religion, a common set of beliefs held by individuals regardless of their race or social status, King is able to create a common link between the opposing groups of the South. King's attempt to find common ground between those people that have become complacent with the current situation and their social position and those people that advocate violence have caused him to be labeled as an extremist. Once again, King uses religion and history to defend himself. King points to various religious figures that were once considered to be extremist and does not consider it a negative thing that he has been included with those men. King cites Jesus as an extremist for love, Amos as an extremist for justice, and Paul -- whom he models himself after -- as an extremist for the Christian Gospel. Like Amos who stated, "Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream," King believes that once initial obstacles of injustice are overcome, the civil rights movement and their advocacy of justice will gain momentum like a river and that justice will prevail and endure. Additionally, King refers to John Bunyan who was willing to sacrifice his freedom in order to have peace of mind, President Lincoln who argued that it was impossible for the United States to be half-slave and half-free, and President Jefferson who specified in the Declaration of Independence that all men were created equal. King states, "So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice?" What is important for King is not the extremes to which people go to for their cause, but rather the fact that they are willing to go to such extremes.