Question

Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, so must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice.

Why does King use this allusion?
to appeal to his critics’ intellect
to define democratic principles
to commemorate a famous leader
to decry the bondage of ancient Greece

Answer 1

to appeal to his critics’ intellect

He invokes Socrates to draw a classical, intellectual parallel—portraying nonviolent protesters as necessary "gadflies" who provoke society into moral self-examination—aimed at persuading his critics of the justice and necessity of their actions.