Question

Dr. King Junior
Why does King write “Letter From Birmingham Jail”? Choose three options.

1. to present his case to a lawyer who may get him out of jail
2. to occupy his time while he is waiting to be released from jail
3. to respond to well-intentioned criticism of the civil rights movement
4. to propose a peaceful settlement with the white police force of the city
5. to ask for volunteers who are supporters of the civil rights movement
6. to make his argument to everyone who will read the letter after its publication
7. to accuse the white clergy of Birmingham of secretly supporting black nationalists

Answer 1

Correct answers: 3, 5, and 6.

- 3 (yes): King wrote chiefly to respond to criticism — especially from white clergymen who had called his actions "unwise and untimely." The letter defends the goals and tactics of the civil rights movement.
- 6 (yes): He intended the letter for a wide audience beyond the immediate recipients; it was written so his reasoning and moral case would be read and understood by many people after publication.
- 5 (yes, in a broader sense): While not a literal volunteer recruitment letter, King sought to galvanize supporters and spur nonviolent direct action — urging people to join the struggle and support demonstrations and campaigns.

Why the others are not correct:
- 1: He was not writing primarily to a lawyer to secure his release.
- 2: It was not written merely to pass time; it was a purposeful public defense and call to action.
- 4: He did not propose a specific peaceful settlement with the city police.
- 7: He criticized the clergy for being too moderate, but did not accuse them of secretly supporting black nationalists.