"Letter from Birmingham Jail" review

What statement best describes Dr. King's purpose in writing the letter?

• Dr. King hoped to explain why the discrimination of African Americans is immoral by giving specific examples of its harmful effects.

• Dr. King sought to criticize white Americans who were supportive of his cause but who were too fearful of the Klan's terrorism to take action to end racism.

• Dr. King attempts to encourage all Americans to end racism by joining the cause to defend civil rights for African Americans.

• Dr. King sought to respond to the criticism he received from people that he considered to be colleagues by methodically addressing each of their claims.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

How does Dr. King respond to the idea that he is an outsider?

• He suggests that an outsiders perspective is necessary.

• He claims that the clergymen are outsiders in Birmingham .

• He denies that he is an outsider in Birmingham or anywhere in the U.S.

• He argues that he is not an outsider in Birmingham because he was born there.

PART A: Which statement best expresses Dr. King's central argument in the text?

• It is more important to have a timely response to criticism and prejudice than to maintain moral integrity.

• The presence of injustice necessitates a nonviolent response in order to repair the harms of prejudice and discrimination.

• Peace in the South will only be achieved after white supremacists are transformed by the white moderate.

• The church's role in the civil rights movement continues to create tension and alienate followers.

PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

• "I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." ( Paragraph 5)

• "Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was 'well timed' in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation." ( Paragraph 14)

• "I had hoped that the white moderate would understand the present tension in the South is a necessary phase of the transition from an obnoxious negative peace" ( Paragraph 25)

• "But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity" ( Paragraph 41)

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

The timing of the protest to continued to change because...

• Some people wanted it to coincide with Christmas, not Easter.

• Their self-purification took longer than expected as more people got involved.

• They continued to negotiate with the leaders of the economic community

• They did not want it to interfere with the mayoral election.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1