Letter from Birmingham Jail Quiz

Lines 2-12: What is one claim opposing King’s work to which he is responding in the first paragraph of the letter? To whom is he responding, and why is this audience significant?

• He is responding to claims that his actions are untimely, addressing local clergymen to justify the timing and necessity of his actions.

• King is replying to accusations of breaking laws, directed at government officials to argue the moral obligation to oppose unjust laws.

• He addresses concerns about causing violence, responding to the general public to clarify the nonviolent nature of his protests.

• King responds to critiques about his presence in Birmingham, directed at local residents to explain the interconnectedness of communities.

Which of the following is a type of reason King provides in his letter to justify his presence in Birmingham, as mentioned in lines 17-43?

• Organizational reasons

• Economic reasons

• Political reasons

• Moral reasons

Lines 17-43: What is a religious reason King gives on this page? Why did King include religious allusions in his letter?

• To appeal to the moral conscience of his audience

• To provide historical context

• To showcase his literary knowledge

• To argue against the laws of the time

Lines 66-101: Why might King have taken the time so early in the letter to delve into such minute detail about steps taken and recent events in Birmingham?

• To provide historical context and justify the actions taken

• To outline the strategy for future movements

• To engage the reader with a narrative

• To address criticisms of their activities being untimely

Lines 104-119: Identify all the instances of the word tension in these lines. In what ways do the meaning and tone of the word tension change over the course of the paragraph?

• The meaning and tone of tension do not change; it remains consistent throughout.

• The word tension is used in both a literal and figurative sense, altering the tone from calm to anxious.

• Tension is only mentioned in a positive light, indicating harmony and balance.

• The term tension is not used in the specified lines.

Lines 151-179: Identify the parallel structure used in this passage. What effect does this use of parallel structure have on King’s argument?

• It emphasizes the urgency of the civil rights movement.

• It highlights the inconsistencies in the application of justice.

• It underscores the moral and ethical appeal of King's message.

• It creates a rhythmic flow that enhances the persuasive impact.

Lines 183-194: What other seminal document does King refer to in this paragraph? Which of King’s three reasons for being in Birmingham is supported by this distinction between just and unjust laws?

• The Constitution of the United States

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Emancipation Proclamation

• The Bill of Rights

Lines 205-210: What two references or allusions in this passage were chosen to appeal to King’s audience of fellow clergymen? Why are these references well suited to King’s audience?

• References to legal precedents and scientific facts

• Allusions to Biblical stories and the U.S. Constitution

• Quotes from Shakespeare and classical Greek literature

• Historical examples of civil disobedience and quotes from famous philosophers

Lines 216-237: Identify the specific examples King provides of either unjust laws or the unjust application of just laws. Why are concrete examples such as those King provides important here?

• To illustrate the severity and real-world impact of racial injustice

• To provide historical context for his arguments

• To engage the reader with rhetorical questions

• To outline his plans for future protests

Lines 247-264: What allusions are in these two paragraphs? How does King use these allusions to support his argument in favor of civil disobedience?

• Biblical references to enhance moral authority

• Historical events to provide context

• Literary quotes to appeal to educated readers

• Personal anecdotes to create empathy