Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most prominent civil rights figures during the 1960's. When King wrote the "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," he already had a strong following of people who believed in his ideals. Therefore, when King wrote his letter to the clergymen of Birmingham Alabama they had no choice but to listen to what King was saying. Dr. King also establishes ethos through references to other prominent figures. He quotes T.S Eliot, a world renowned poet, in order to make a point about the police force. Throughout the entire "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," King aims to not only get across his ideas, but to make others understand why they should listen and consider them.
Your remark about how he references other prominent figures is valid in that it does make him appear more credible for being knowledgeable about such leaders. But I wonder why he as a leader needed to bring up other leaders in this situation?
ReplyDelete-Dharani K.
I also agree with Dharani- MLK clearly already had a strong following of people: but why would he need others to be more credible? I think he established some of his own ethos just because of his upstanding character and popularity with the audience that read this letter. -Kristen
DeleteI like that MLK cited Eliot and I like that you mentioned Eliot as a sign of credibility. Both authors write with much emotion, which could make this connection also pathos.
ReplyDeleteI personally liked the mention of T.S. Eliot. I feel as if it establishes MLK's credibility even more. To be a dominant figure in society and to cite other important people produces even more ethos within in his argument making it much stronger. It's also good to bring other people's perspective to the cause at hand. It allows for a broader vision.
ReplyDelete-Kosi
Dr King citing T.S Eliot, a world renowned poet, adds more emphasis to his letter.
ReplyDelete-Sylvia
Yeah I also find it interesting why MLK quoted another well known writer. Was it that he felt so strongly for his cause that he wanted to establish as much ethos as possible to be taken all the more seriously?
ReplyDelete-- Collin