Question

“Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. April 16, 1963, from The Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr. Question 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.

Answer 1

In the paragraph beginning with "My friends, I must say to you …" from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail," the speaker’s word choice creates a tone of urgency and solemnity. Phrases like "I must say to you" evoke a direct and heartfelt appeal to his audience, emphasizing the importance of the message. The contrast between the gravity of the social injustices discussed and the mundane action of having "a cup of coffee at a lunch counter" underscores the triviality of everyday comforts compared to the desperate need for justice. This juxtaposition highlights the seriousness of the fight against segregation, contributing to a tone that is both reflective and impassioned. Overall, King's careful word selection and relationships among the words effectively convey his urgency for civil rights and the moral imperative for action.