Question

What theme did you see in Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address”?



What theme did you see in MLK’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”?



What theme do both of these works share?



Which type of tone and rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) did President Lincoln and Dr. King use to appeal to their audience or readers?

Answer 1

### Themes

**1. Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address”:**
The primary theme in Lincoln's “Gettysburg Address” is the idea of national unity and the struggle for equality. Lincoln frames the Civil War as a test of whether a nation founded on principles of liberty and equality can endure. He emphasizes the sacrifices made by soldiers at Gettysburg and the broader fight for a government “of the people, by the people, for the people.”

**2. MLK’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”:**
The central theme of Martin Luther King Jr.'s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” is the moral imperative of direct action in the struggle for civil rights. King argues that individuals have a moral duty to resist unjust laws and that waiting for change can be as detrimental as perpetuating injustice. The letter emphasizes the importance of nonviolent protest and the connection between justice and love.

### Shared Theme

Both works share a theme of striving for equality and justice. They invoke a vision of a society where all individuals are treated with dignity and where democracy is realized through active engagement and sacrifice. Both texts highlight the importance of collective action in the face of oppression and the belief that change is necessary to fulfill the nation’s foundational ideals.

### Tone and Rhetorical Appeals

**Tone:**

- **Lincoln:** The tone of the Gettysburg Address is solemn and reflective, yet it is also hopeful. Lincoln acknowledges the weight of the sacrifices made while inspiring the audience to honor those sacrifices by committing to the principles of equality and democracy.
- **King:** The tone of King’s letter is urgent and passionate, but it also conveys a sense of calm and reason. He expresses frustration at the slow progress towards civil rights, but he calls for understanding and compassion, emphasizing a shared humanity.

**Rhetorical Appeals:**

- **Lincoln:**
- **Ethos:** Lincoln establishes credibility by referring to the founding principles of the nation and invoking the sacrifices made by soldiers. His position as the President during a critical moment in history lends authority to his message.
- **Pathos:** He appeals emotionally to his audience by honoring the dead and stressing the need for a collective resolve to ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.
- **Logos:** Lincoln uses logical reasoning to connect the Civil War's struggles to a larger purpose of democracy and national identity.

- **King:**
- **Ethos:** King builds credibility by citing his experience in the civil rights movement and aligning himself with historical figures and religious teachings, showing that his arguments are rooted in moral authority.
- **Pathos:** He powerfully evokes feelings of injustice and urgency, using vivid imagery and personal anecdotes to connect with the emotions of his audience.
- **Logos:** King employs clear reasoning to explain why waiting for justice is unjust and how nonviolent direct action is a logical response to the pervasive injustices of segregation and discrimination.

In summary, both Lincoln and King use a combination of emotional, ethical, and logical arguments, tailored to their respective audiences, to advocate for unity, justice, and equality.