Martin Luther King begins his letter with the following paragraph:
While confined here in the Birmingham City Jail, I came across your recent statement calling our present activities "unwise and untimely." Seldom, if ever, do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would be engaged in little else in the course of the day and I would have no time for constructive work. But since I feel that you are men of genuine goodwill and your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I would like to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms.
What is the effect of his choice to start his letter in this way? Answer the question in complete sentences. In your response, be sure to discuss the purpose and tone of this opening paragraph and explain how it works with the overall structure and purpose of the letter.
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The choice to start his letter with this particular paragraph has several effects. First, it establishes the context of Martin Luther King's letter - that he is writing while being confined in the Birmingham City Jail. This creates a sense of urgency and importance, as it implies that his words are significant enough to be penned from a confined space.
Moreover, King addresses the recent statement made by the recipients of the letter, who criticized his "present activities" as "unwise and untimely." By acknowledging this criticism, King demonstrates his willingness to engage in a dialogue with his adversaries, showing respect for their opinions. This sets the stage for a thoughtful and respectful exchange of ideas throughout the letter.
Furthermore, King admits that he usually does not respond to every criticism he receives, given the amount of critical feedback he receives daily. However, he makes an exception for this particular criticism because he believes the recipients to be men of genuine goodwill. This highlights his belief in the power of constructive dialogue and his hope that a meaningful conversation can take place.
In terms of the overall structure and purpose of the letter, this opening paragraph serves as an invitation to a respectful and patient discussion. It signals King's intention to address the criticism, debunk any misconceptions or misunderstandings, and ultimately persuade the recipients of the justness and urgency of his cause. The tone established in this paragraph is one of reasonableness, patience, and willingness to listen, which sets a foundation for the persuasive arguments and appeals that follow in the subsequent parts of the letter.