In this essay, I will discuss some examples of ethos, pathos and logos that were used in King's letter entitled "Letter from Birmingham Jail." "The Letter from Birmingham Jail," was in response to eight clergymen defending his actions. King's masterpiece "Letter from Birmingham Jail" is widely known for its eloquent and powerful use of the different literary techniques such as ethos, pathos and logos. He was well versed with the sermons and speeches from the Bible, and this seems to have helped King create highly emotional writings to appeal to different audiences.
             The very first line of King's letter was appealing and getting the attention of the audiences. King writes, "While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities "unwise and untimely." (King, 1963) He draws the attention of the church leaders to the dungeons of the jail. One is forced to imagine the filthy crowded rooms with little ventilation. This is a symbolic representation of the life of the "Negro" people of that period. The blacks were living a life which was no better than the life in the filthy rooms in the jail. One feels sorry for King from the very beginning of the letter. And yet, King shows a generous attitude towards the white clergymen whom he calls "men of genuine goodwill". This helped him gather the support of the people who otherwise would not have supported him. He used diplomatic criticisms to avoid harsh words against the whites. This soft tone seems to have appealed to many white audiences.
             King conveys his message by appealing to ethos, when he presents evidence that he is credible by writing, that he follows just laws, but breaks unjust laws. He then compares breaking unjust laws with what the early Christians did. King writes, "Of course, there is nothing new about this kind of civil disobedience. It was evidence...