Question
LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. April 16, 1963, from The Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Use the passage to answer the question. In 3–5 sentences, explain how the speaker’s word choice and the relationships among words in the paragraph beginning with “My friends, I must say to you …” and ending with “... cup of coffee at a lunch counter.” produce a specific tone.
Use the passage to answer the question. In 3–5 sentences, explain how the speaker’s word choice and the relationships among words in the paragraph beginning with “My friends, I must say to you …” and ending with “... cup of coffee at a lunch counter.” produce a specific tone.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In the passage, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s word choice and the relationships among words create a tone of urgency and resolute determination. Phrases like “I must say to you” convey a sense of immediacy, compelling the audience to listen and reflect on the situation at hand. The juxtaposition of mundane activities, such as enjoying a “cup of coffee at a lunch counter,” against the backdrop of systemic injustice highlights the stark contrast between everyday life and the civil rights struggle. This elevates the tone to one of moral imperative, urging the audience to recognize the significance of fighting for equality and dignity in even the simplest aspects of life.