Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" was a pleasure to read, and the tension of the civil rights movement during that time built quickly. On rereading, I had time to admire King's strategies through the use of ethos, logos, and pathos. On reflection, I was able to understand and appreciate the way King expressed significance of the civil rights movement.
             This letter is unquestionable a work of art. It is not a simple letter, because it reveals a lot and shows a range of emotions, but is very easy to read. In the opening paragraph King explains how he came across a letter that eight clergy members published in a local newspaper and proceeds to respond to their comments. King moves on in paragraphs 2 and 3 were he sets up his credibility and explains his reasons for being in Birmingham. The letter changes in paragraph four where we begin to see King's use of metaphors: "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality; tied in a single garment of destiny." King continues to explain his presence in Birmingham and begins to change the tone from introductory to confrontational. In paragraph 10 he raises questions that were not directly asked and proceeds to explain his actions. It is here King presents his argument in a definable logic. It is his purpose is to inform the clergy of a new body of knowledge. He includes the completeness and clarity of the knowledge presented by answering questions that had not been raised. The purpose is to persuade the clergy to accept a new opinion on a matter of significance: "I have earnestly opposed violent tension, but there is a type of constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth."
             While the tension contributes powerfully to my engagement with the letter, the careful focus of the scene and action also contributes. The scene is paragraph 14 and specifically King's use of pathos, including his use of metaphors: "The nations of Asia and Africa...