Clergymen
Analysis 1
Analysis 2
Historical Context
Allusions
100

The number of clergymen who signed the "public statement" in Birmingham. 

What is eight? 

100

By referring to his audience as his "friends" and his "dear fellow clergymen", King is establishing this appeal:

What is ethos?

100

The device found here: the shadow of deep disappointment settled upon us.

What is a metaphor? 

100

At the time, Birmingham had gained this explosive nickname. 

What is "Bombingham"? 

100

King alludes to this religious figure to prove his point about outsiders helping those in need. 

Who is the Apostle Paul?

200

The alliterative second word in the clergymen's statement that King's protest was unwise and this. 

What is untimely? 

200

By giving the facts of the situation in Birmingham, and how they had no alternative but to protest given these facts, King is utilizing this appeal. 

What is logos? 

200

The sentence that begins "But when you..." and ends with "then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait" is an example of this kind of sentence. 

What is a periodic sentence? 

200

This Birmingham activist invited King and his Southern Christian Leadership Conference to the city to agitate for change there.

Who is Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth? 

200

King alludes to this famous thinker when proving his point about creating "necessary tension". 

Who is Socrates? 

300

FILL IN THE BLANK: "We do not believe that these days of new hope are days when ____________ measures are justified in Birmingham."

What is extreme?

300

Paragraph 14, where King cites having to explain to his daughter why she can't go to "Funtown", is best an example of this appeal. 

What is pathos? 

300

King alludes to the idea that Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Martin Luther could be interpreted as this:

What is an extremist? 

300

In 1962, Birmingham closed public parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, and golf courses to avoid federal court orders to do this. 

What is desegregate? 

300

King alludes to Hitler and the Hungarian freedom fighters to demonstrate the difference between these two ideas. 

What are just and unjust laws? 

400

The clergymen feel protests in Birmingham are being led in part by this group, which is concerning to them. 

Who are "outsiders"? 

400

King spends several paragraphs addressing this specific audience, especially critical of their lack of assistance to his cause. 

What is the white moderate?

400

"Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed" is an example of this device:

What is antithesis or parallel structure? 

400

Dr. King was held in the Birmingham Jail for this many days before being released on bail. 

What is eight? 

400

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to follow the laws of this King. 

Who is Nebuchadnezzar? 

500

The clergymen's public statement was released on April 12 of this year. 

What is 1963? 

500

There are this many steps in any nonviolent campaign, according to King. 

What is four? 

500

This saint is quoted by King as having said "an unjust law is no law at all."

Who is St. Augustine? 

500

King utilized the margins of this newspaper to write his letter. 

What is the "Birmingham News"? 

500

King references this philosopher drinking poison to prove his "unswerving commitment to truth". 

Who is Socrates?