Narrative Arc
This is where the letter opens and with King explaining why he feels compelled to respond to criticisms, setting the stage for his defense of what principle?
What is exposition and nonviolent direct action?
This 1955-1956 protest in Montgomery, Alabama, was sparked by Rosa Parks’ arrest and led to a Supreme Court decision outlawing segregation on public buses.
What is the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
King contrasts this type of peace, where there is no tension but also no justice, with positive peace.
What is negative peace?
This letter was written by clergymen in response to demonstrations in this city, a central location in the Civil Rights Movement.
What is Birmingham, Alabama?
This rhetorical appeal is based on the credibility or trustworthiness of the speaker.
Ethos
In the middle of the letter, King develops his argument by contrasting negative peace and positive peace, marking this part of the narrative arc.
What is the rising action?
Anne Moody, John Salter, and Joan Trampauer did this kind of protest at Woolworth's diner in Jackson, MS where ketchup, sugar, and mustard were poured all over them and one of the men were beaten.
What is a sit in?
King wrote the letter in response to a statement by clergymen calling his actions by these two adjectives.
What is "unwise and untimely"
The authors of the letter suggest that racial issues should be addressed through these two formal avenues rather than street demonstrations.
What are the courts and local negotiations?
This rhetorical appeal aims to connect with the audience’s emotions.
Pathos
King makes his most emotional plea, describing the disappointment in the white moderate and the urgency of the moment. This moment of tension represents this part of the arc.
What is the climax?
This man did this kind of 'peaceful protest' with Martin Luther King Jr. and was tear gassed for doing so and also marched for the Black Lives Matter Movement back in June 11, 2020.
Who is George Henderson and what is a March.
This group, described by King as the "great stumbling block" to freedom, was criticized for prioritizing order over justice.
The White Moderates
The clergymen addressed their letter to this prominent Civil Rights leader.
Who is Martin Luther King Jr?
A speaker referencing their years of experience in a subject demonstrates this type of rhetorical appeal.
ethos
King uses examples of Socrates, Jesus, and others to defend his position, easing some of the tension and moving toward a resolution.
What is the falling action?
'Not going to be peace in the streets.' This kind of protest was done in DC where a "crowd" took a knee in front of the white house and law enforcement on June 3, 2020.
What is mass demonstration?
King compared himself and his actions to these two historical figures, known for their commitment to truth and sacrifice.
Who is Socrates and Jesus?
This phrase in the letter calls for restraint and implies a preference for law and order over immediate social change.
What is "an Appeal for Law and Order and Common Sense"?
This appeal relies on logical arguments, facts, or statistics to persuade an audience.
logos
King’s call to action at the end of the letter, urging readers to embrace justice and reject complacency, serves as this part of the narrative arc.
resolution
This 1955-1956 protest in Montgomery, Alabama, was sparked by 'this person’ arrested and led to a Supreme Court decision outlawing segregation on public buses.
What is the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Rosa Parks?
King emphasizes that this is always the right time to take action against injustice.
What is now?
The clergymen claimed to support racial justice but opposed direct action, a stance often described by King in his response as this kind of unintentional barrier to progress.
"White Moderate?"
A commercial shows images of a happy family enjoying dinner together to sell a new kitchen appliance. This is using which rhetorical strategy?
pathos