“Letter from Birmingham Jail” Reading Guide and Questions

Fill out the following worksheet to gain a better understanding of the use of rhetoric in King’s letter. Use complete sentences.

Historical Context:

1. What events and laws influenced King’s Letter? (More than one correct answer)

2. What was the American South like in 1963?

3. Who was MLK writing his letter in response to? Why?

4. Logos, Pathos, and Ethos are used throughout King’s Letter. Provide several examples for each.

a. Logos:

b. Pathos:

c. Ethos:

5. What names are mentioned throughout the Letter? Which names stuck out to you and why? Historical figures, biblical figures, etc…….

6. What was the main form of receiving “news” or “media” in the 1960s? Why do you think King chose to write a letter? Explain.

7. What is the main idea (argument) King presented to his audience? Explain.

8. What role does religion play in “Letter from Birmingham Jail?” Why do you think King chose to incorporate religious figures and stories?

9. What does King do to end his letter? What does he provide his audience with?

10. Reviewing what we have learned so far about argument, would you say King’s argument is effective? How so? Are there any “holes” in King’s argument and presentation? Elaborate and explain.

Small MLA Review (not for a grade, just review):

1. Provide a paraphrase for the following direct quote: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial “outside agitator” idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds” (King). Paraphrase:

2. Turn the following sentence into a correctly MLA formatted direct quote:

But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I want to try to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms.

Direct quote:

3. To avoid plagiarism, what must you always do/have with outside sources in your MLA document?