In the paragraph starting with "My friends, I must say to you..." Martin Luther King Jr. employs a conversational and personal tone through the use of direct addresses like "My friends" and relatable imagery, such as the mention of a "cup of coffee at a lunch counter." This choice of words establishes a sense of camaraderie and urgency, effectively inviting the reader into his reasoning and emotional plea. The juxtaposition of ordinary activities with profound social issues heightens the gravity of the situation while maintaining an accessible tone, making the call for justice feel both personal and universal.
Use the passage to answer the question.
LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL
billofrightsinstitute.org/primary-sources/letter-from-birmingham-jail
Credit Line: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” April 16, 1963. The Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr.
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.
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