Letters from Birmingham Jail

In his opening paragraph, King says that he rarely pauses to answer criticisms, but he is replying to the clergymen because

• their actions were unwise and untimely.

• their letter shows them to be extremists.

• he believes them to be sincere and good.

• he wants his letter to bring about change.

What is the basis for King’s argument against the idea that he is an outsider who came to Birmingham?

• He was born in Birmingham.

• He has organizational ties in Birmingham.

• He has many relatives in Birmingham.

• He went to college in Birmingham.

King compares himself to early Christian prophets because they

• died fighting for their cause.

• did not submit to unjust laws.

• believed in civil disobedience.

• did not negotiate with enemies.

What does King mean in lines 37–38 when he says, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”?

• All citizens are equally threatened by justice.

• Discrimination does not exist in rural areas.

• All laws are unfair and should be ignored.

• Everyone is affected when one person is hurt.

According to King, the purpose of direct nonviolent action is to

• end the bombings of homes and churches.

• create tension so that people have to confront an issue.

• halt the activities of both merchants and consumers.

• draw the sympathy of the religious community and moderate whites.

King uses the evidence that other nations are gaining political independence to argue against

• inhumane treatment.

• violent protests.

• waiting for freedom.

• asking for compromise.

In line 210, King alludes to Paul Tillich’s opinion that “sin is separation” to

• identify a supporter who strengthens his credibility.

• illustrate his counterargument against the white moderate.

• strengthen his moral argument against segregation.

• provide an example of direct nonviolent action.

What does cognizant mean?

• present

• aware

• relieved

• understood

To retaliate means to

• take revenge.

• provide clues.

• move back.

• seek justice.

What is a moratorium?

• a temporary stoppage

• an unjust law

• a burial site

• an unacceptable excuse