King’s Letter Considered a Classic Argument Essay

King’s Letter Considered a Classic Argument After being jailed in the Birmingham city jail, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister who preached nonviolence, wrote this response to a published statement by eight fellow clergymen from Alabama. This letter was not only composed under somewhat constricting circumstances but was written in a way that can be analyzed to be considered as a classic argument. Not only does it contain the five elements needed in a rhetorical situation, but the letter includes the six parts of an argument, the five types of claims, and even the three types of proofs. Dr. King’s letter fully satisfies all requirements needed in order to be considered a classic argument. In accordance to the TRACE†¦show more content†¦The constraints create common ground for many of the Negro community while further separating those against it. Lastly, the exigence of this piece of text clearly defines the problems of social injustice many Negros face either in the state of Alabama or in surrou nding states. It is perceived as a problem because the injustices are gradually growing larger, to a point where the Negro community must not let the problem go on any longer. Dr. King’s claim is obvious and present, clearly presenting the main point of the argument as being in Birmingham because of the injustice toward the Negro community. Quoted directly from the letter, Dr. King states, â€Å"there can be no gain-saying the fact that racial injustice engulfs this [Birmingham, Alabama] community† (277). This quote demonstrates the statement of claim found directly from the text itself. Continuing on, the claim is supported by multiple subclaims like unjust treatment in the courts, unsolved bombings of Negro homes and churches in Birmingham, and unfulfilled negotiation plans with merchants who promised to remove multiple stores’ humiliating racial signs. Next, support throughout the letter is apparent in order to upholdShow MoreRelatedMartin Luther King Jr.s Letter From Birmingham Jail890 Words   |  4 PagesKing Jr.’s 1963 â€Å"Letter from Birmingham Jail† was one of the first documents to address the issue. It is one of history’s most important documents regarding racial injustice, as it is considered a classic document of the civil-rights movement. King wrote the letter while he was in jail for parading without a permit, one of 29 misdemeanor offences King was arrested for (history.com). 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