1
Identify the parallel structure in this sentence:
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
A: The repetition of the structure “___ anywhere ___ everywhere.”
What does the word "oppressed" mean in the sentence:
*“...freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed”?
A: People who are treated unjustly or denied rights.
In context, what does "constructive nonviolent tension" mean?
A: A purposeful discomfort that leads to positive change and negotiation.
What does "moratorium" mean in the phrase:
*“...a moratorium on demonstrations”?
A: A temporary halt or suspension.
What does "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" suggest about the word "injustice"?
A: It refers to unfair treatment or denial of rights, with broad consequences.
What is the primary purpose of King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”?
A: To justify his presence in Birmingham and defend the strategy of nonviolent resistance to racism.
How does King establish his purpose in the opening paragraphs?
A: By addressing the clergymen respectfully and explaining his reason for writing from jail.
What is King’s central claim in the letter?
A: Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and nonviolent protest is necessary to confront unjust laws.
How does King support his claim that “justice too long delayed is justice denied”?
A: By describing the long history of African Americans waiting for civil rights and enduring oppression.
What central idea is developed through King’s discussion of “just” and “unjust” laws?
A: That individuals have a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.
What counterargument does King address regarding the timing of the protests?
A: Critics argue that the protests are “untimely” and should wait for a more convenient moment.
How does King respond to the counterargument about waiting for the courts?
A: He argues that African Americans have waited too long and that “justice too long delayed is justice denied.”
What concession does King make about the clergymen’s concerns?
A: He acknowledges their sincerity and their concern for law and order.
Why does King concede that negotiation is preferable to protest?
A: To show that nonviolent protest is a necessary step when negotiation fails.
How does King rebut the accusation that he is an extremist?
He redefines “extremist” by aligning himself with Jesus, Amos, and Lincoln, who were also called extremists for justice.
How does King’s use of rhetorical questions strengthen his argument?
A: They challenge the reader to reflect on moral responsibility and the urgency of justice.
What is the effect of King’s repeated use of “when you…” statements?
A: It personalizes the suffering of African Americans and builds empathy in the reader.
How does King’s tone shift throughout the letter, and why is this important?
A: It shifts from respectful to urgent and passionate, reflecting the seriousness of the issues.
How does King use logos (logic) to support his argument?
A: By citing legal and philosophical definitions of justice and referencing historical examples.
How does King use ethos (credibility) in the letter?
A: He references his role as a minister and civil rights leader and aligns himself with respected figures.
How does King use pathos (emotion) in the letter?
A: Through vivid descriptions of racial injustice and the emotional toll on Black families.
To whom does King allude when he says, “Just as the Apostle Paul left his village and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ…”?
A: The Apostle Paul, to compare his mission of spreading justice to Paul’s mission of spreading Christianity.
How does King use the example of Jesus to support his argument?
A: He alludes to Jesus as an “extremist for love” to reframe the idea of extremism in a positive light.
What is the "tension" Dr. king refers to in paragaph 10? Explain how he turns the negative association of tension to a positive.
The tension is the discomfort and agitationthat forces the community to negotiate with the protestor.
What is the connotation of “extremist” as King redefines it?
A: He shifts it from negative (radical, dangerous) to positive (passionate for justice).