In the paragraph beginning with "My friends, I must say to you ..." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s word choice, including "friends," establishes a sense of camaraderie and empathy, appealing directly to his audience. The use of phrases like "I must say to you" conveys a tone of urgency and earnestness, underscoring the moral imperative for justice. Additionally, the imagery of sharing "a cup of coffee at a lunch counter" invokes a vision of equality and normalcy, contrasting the harsh realities of segregation, which deepens the emotional resonance of his message. This careful selection of words fosters a tone that is both hopeful and passionate, encouraging listeners to reflect on their shared humanity and the urgency of the civil rights movement.
“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.
1 answer