Topic > Application of pathos, ethos and logos in the Letter from Birmingham Jail

The Letter from Birmingham Jail played a very vital role in the civil rights movement. Written by Dr. Martin Luther King in 1963 with the aim of fighting for equality for African Americans. He persuades his audience by using three different techniques: pathos, ethos, and logos to justify his reasoning as to why it is necessary to end segregation. Through the use of pathos he appeals to a more personal point of view, logos are used to explain his logic and reasoning behind the letter, it also establishes his credibility on the topic of racial discrimination and injustice through ethos . Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayDr. King applies rhetorical appeals to ethics that signify his credibility on the topic of racial injustice and discrimination. He states, “My dear fellow priest,” which establishes his character. He is inferring that they are equal, as he is not beneath them and they are not above him. At the end of the second paragraph, entering the third, he states: “So I am here, along with several members of my staff, because I have basic organizational ties here. On top of that, I'm in Birmingham because there is injustice here." At the beginning of the letter, King asserts his integrity by expressing the issues of racism and injustice. King demonstrates his desire to fight against injustices towards his people, thus justifying his need to be in Birmingham. Meanwhile, he also claims to be the president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, reminding clergy that he was invited to Birmingham through the conferences' affiliation. It also composes the ethos of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference by informing them of the ongoing operation and affiliation conducted in the Southern states. Additionally, it also conveys logos throughout the letter. He shares not only his beliefs about the situation, but also provides facts to address the cruel conditions facing Birmingham. King explains to his audience that brutality is known everywhere in the country. He addresses the court's bias against Negroes, stating that "there have been more unsolved bombings of Negro homes and churches in Birmingham than in any other city in this nation"; stating that there are “harsh, brutal and incredible facts. Following these statements he was disappointed as many called him an extremist while he states: "Little by little I gained some satisfaction from being considered an extremist." Then start talking about other influencers who have done great things that impact the world. Some of the extremist people he mentions are Jesus, Amos, Paul, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson. He uses it to support the argument that he is an injustice or justice extremist. Would you rather defend the good will of the people or spread hatred towards those individuals who don't deserve it? Meanwhile, Martin Luther King Jr uses pathos throughout the letter to appeal to the emotion of his audience. It highlights an image or sensory image, as if this were your brother, sister, mother, or father being mistreated and lynched, drowned, or killed just because he is black. Also conveying the idea of ​​the innocence of a child being taken away by stating on several occasions such as stating "when suddenly you find yourself with your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you try to explain to your six year old daughter why she can't go to the public amusement park just advertised on television”.)