What is King’s main argument in “Letter from Birmingham Jail”? What rhetorical strategies does he use to support his argument, and which means of support is his strongest?
For this essay, you will find at least 1-2 examples of ethos, pathos, and logos in the text (3-6 overall,) and you will analyze the strength and effectiveness of these examples and how they strengthen King’s main claim. Please however do not use the words “ethos, pathos, and logos” in your arguments, as they are too vague- explain what exactly king is doing! Use phrases like “logical argument” “guilt” “facts” “personal experience”… ect.
For each example you should do the following:
Explain why it is an appeal to either emotion, logic, or character
Explain why it is an effective method of persuasion
Explain how the example supports King’s claim
You will then choose one of these methods of persuasion and explain why it is stronger than the other two.
A word on audience- please keep in mind who King was writing this letter to as that plays a role in understanding why King writes the way that he does and why he references the things that he does. Please refer to Chapter 6 of “David and Goliath” to help you understand context and purpose.
Sample Essay Structure:
Introduction- Your introduction should introduce the text, author, content, and context. Your intro needs to have your thesis as the last sentence of the paragraph, and your thesis needs to fully and completely answer the questions of the prompt. In your thesis, please do not make statements like “King uses ethos, pathos, and logos” these words are simply too vague. Pathos can mean humor and it can also mean terror- be specific!
Body Paragraphs (1-4…) –
Make sure that your body paragraphs start with relevant, argumentative topic sentences that directly connect to the thesis. In these paragraphs, you should be discussing the following:
What King’s argument is- as in why is he writing this letter, and what is he trying to convince people to do or believe
King’s use of ethos- How and why does King use credibility and morality to support his argument. Please make sure to NOT say something like “King uses ethos to strengthen his argument.” A sentence like that does not make any real argument. Tell me specifically what he is doing and how it is helping his argument.
King’s use of pathos- How and why does King use emotions (positive and/or negative) to support his argument. Please make sure to NOT say something like “King uses pathos to strengthen his argument.” A sentence like that does not make any real argument- remember pathos can mean humor or fear or a multitude of other things, so be precise. Tell me specifically what he is doing and what it is helping his argument.
King’s use of logos- How and why does King use logic and reasoning to support his argument. Please make sure to NOT say something like “King uses logos to strengthen his argument.” A sentence like that does not make any real argument. Tell me specifically what he is doing and what it is helping his argument.
Which method is strongest- Argue which of King’s methods is his strongest in convincing his readers of his argument. This is very subjective, and there is really no wrong answer. Simply make your argument and support it by explaining the exceeding strength of one rhetorical method over the other two.
Conclusion-
Restate the main claims of your essay. Summarize your major arguments/examples. Explain why this is relevant and important.
This essay needs to be 4-5 pages, not including your works cited.
