Instructions:
Letter from Birmingham Jail Rhetorical Analysis Essay One
What is Kings main argument in Letter from Birmingham Jail? What rhetorical strategies does he use to support his argument, and which means of support is his strongest?
For this essay, you will find at least 1-2 examples of ethos, pathos, and logos in the text (3-6 overall,) and you will analyze the strength and effectiveness of these examples and how they strengthen Kings main claim.
For each example you should do the following:
Explain why it is an appeal to either emotion, logic, or character
Explain why it is an effective method of persuasion
Explain how the example supports Kings claim
You will then choose one of these methods of persuasion and explain why it is stronger than the other two.
A word on audience- please keep in mind who King was writing this letter to as that plays a role in understanding why King writes the way that he does and why he references the things that he does. Please refer to Chapter 6 of David and Goliath to help you understand context and purpose.
Sample Essay Structure:
Introduction- Your introduction should introduce the text, author, content, and context. Your intro needs to have your thesis as the last sentence of the paragraph, and your thesis needs to fully and completely answer the questions of the prompt.
Body Paragraphs (1-4) –
Make sure that your body paragraphs start with relevant, argumentative topic sentences that directly connect to the thesis. In these paragraphs, you should be discussing the following:
What Kings argument is- as in why is he writing this letter, and what is he trying to convince people to do or believe
Kings use of ethos- How and why does King use credibility and morality to support his argument. Please make sure to NOT say something like King uses ethos to strengthen his argument. A sentence like that does not make any read argument. Tell me specifically what he is doing and how it is helping his argument.
Kings use of pathos- How and why does King use emotions (positive and/or negative) to support his argument. Please make sure to NOT say something like King uses pathos to strengthen his argument. A sentence like that does not make any read argument. Tell me specifically what he is doing and what it is helping his argument.
Kings use of logos- How and why does King use logic and reasoning to support his argument. Please make sure to NOT say something like King uses logos to strengthen his argument. A sentence like that does not make any read argument. Tell me specifically what he is doing and what it is helping his argument.
Which method is strongest- Argue which of Kings methods is his strongest in convincing his readers of his argument. This is very subjective, and there is really no wrong answer. Simply make your argument and support it by explaining the exceeding strength of one rhetorical method over the other two.
Conclusion-
Restate the main claims of your essay. Summarize your major arguments/examples. Explain why this is relevant and important.
This essay needs to be 4-5 pages, not including your works cited.
It is worth 20% of your grade
It must adhere to MLA formatting./Double spaced/ paper margin in MLA
