Analyzing Letter from Birmingham Jail

Analyzing: When is it justifiable to break a law? Can breaking the law ever lead to positive change?

Remembering: The historical context of the Civil Rights Movement and the significance of King’s letter is discussed in which of the following documents?

• The Emancipation Proclamation

• The Gettysburg Address

• The Letter from Birmingham Jail

• The Declaration of Independence

Applying: What rhetorical and historical references does King use in his letter?

• Biblical references and the U.S. Constitution

• Shakespearean plays and Greek mythology

• Scientific theories and mathematical principles

• Medieval literature and ancient folklore

Understanding: Students identify examples of ethos, pathos, and logos in the letter. What are some examples of ethos, pathos, and logos in King’s letter?

Understanding: How does King structure his argument? What rhetorical strategies does he use to persuade his audience?

• By using emotional appeals and logical reasoning

• By presenting statistical data and expert opinions

• By telling personal stories and anecdotes

• By using humor and satire

Applying: Why is King’s letter still relevant today? Provide one example of a modern issue it connects to.

• It addresses racial inequality, which is still a modern issue.

• It discusses economic policies that are outdated.

• It focuses on historical events that are no longer relevant.

• It is a personal letter with no broader implications.

Remembering: Henry David Thoreau practiced _______________, which means to protest the government in a non-violent way.

• civil disobedience
• civil rights
• civil liberties
• civilian law

Applying: What does the historical context refer to in a study of history?

• The political leaders of the time

• The economic conditions prevailing in the period

• The background information that helps to understand a historical event

• The outcome of a historical event