Question
[8] It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This
sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an
invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a
beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now
be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And
© Houston ISD Curriculum 2024-2025 8
The reason the speaker uses the phrase "hallowed spot" is to show
there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his
citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our
nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
[9] But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm
threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful
place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for
freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our
struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative
protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the
majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.
[10] The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not
lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by
their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our
destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our
freedom.
[11] We cannot walk alone.
What warning does the author give in paragraph 8 and why?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
© Houston ISD Curriculum 2024-2025 9
How does the author’s use of language in paragraph 8 contribute to the tone of the
selection?
A. The descriptions of justice create a lighthearted tone.
B. The references to history make the tone indifferent.
C. The warning and seasonal imagery create a tone of urgency.
D. The financial metaphors establish a tone of resignation
sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an
invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a
beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now
be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And
© Houston ISD Curriculum 2024-2025 8
The reason the speaker uses the phrase "hallowed spot" is to show
there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his
citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our
nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
[9] But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm
threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful
place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for
freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our
struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative
protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the
majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.
[10] The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not
lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by
their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our
destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our
freedom.
[11] We cannot walk alone.
What warning does the author give in paragraph 8 and why?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
© Houston ISD Curriculum 2024-2025 9
How does the author’s use of language in paragraph 8 contribute to the tone of the
selection?
A. The descriptions of justice create a lighthearted tone.
B. The references to history make the tone indifferent.
C. The warning and seasonal imagery create a tone of urgency.
D. The financial metaphors establish a tone of resignation
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In paragraph 8, the author warns that it would be a grave mistake for the nation to ignore the immediate and pressing issues faced by African Americans. He emphasizes that the current moment of "legitimate discontent" will not simply pass on its own; instead, it will persist until true freedom and equality are achieved. The use of the imagery of seasons suggests a cyclical nature to the struggle for justice, indicating that if the nation fails to address these issues, the unrest will continue and potentially escalate. The warning stresses that complacency will lead to serious consequences, highlighting the critical need for action and acknowledgment of civil rights.
Regarding the author's use of language in paragraph 8, the correct answer is:
**C. The warning and seasonal imagery create a tone of urgency.**
The language used conveys a sense of immediacy and the need for change, as it portrays the struggle for rights as both pressing and ongoing, urging the audience to take this moment seriously and not revert to complacency.
Regarding the author's use of language in paragraph 8, the correct answer is:
**C. The warning and seasonal imagery create a tone of urgency.**
The language used conveys a sense of immediacy and the need for change, as it portrays the struggle for rights as both pressing and ongoing, urging the audience to take this moment seriously and not revert to complacency.