I have a 5 page essay for an English Class. We have read Martin Luther King's "letter from Birmingham Jail" and Jonothan Kozol’s essay “The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society”

The essay is on how both authors, Martin Luther King Jr. and Jonothan Kozol define a concept (any concept) and why is it of importance and relevance.

Could I get some ideas, on what possible things I should include and talk about. It's long essay, your ideas would be of great help.

Thank You!

A basic theme of both essays is injustice, yet they both define it in different ways.

http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:U2rlUVCa6HIJ:www.mvla.net/teachers/SusanL/Comp%2520and%2520World%2520Lit/Documents/The%2520Human%2520Cost%2520of%2520an%2520Illiterate%2520Society+The+Human+Cost+of+an+Illiterate+Society&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&ie=UTF-8

http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html

Certainly! For your essay on how Martin Luther King Jr. and Jonathan Kozol define a concept and explain its importance and relevance, here are some possible ideas and points to consider:

1. **Civil Rights**: Both authors write about civil rights issues, but they approach it from different angles. Explore how King defines civil rights as the right to equal treatment, an end to segregation and discrimination, and the pursuit of justice. Meanwhile, Kozol defines civil rights in terms of access to education and highlights the consequences of illiteracy on society.

2. **Justice**: Discuss how King and Kozol both emphasize the concept of justice in their writings. King argues for the importance of fighting against injustice and for a just society, while Kozol sheds light on the injustice faced by illiterate individuals who lack opportunities for personal and social development.

3. **Equality**: King and Kozol both advocate for equality in different contexts. King addresses racial inequality, arguing for the equal treatment of all individuals regardless of their race. Kozol discusses equality in terms of opportunities for education, emphasizing that everyone should have equal access to knowledge and the chance to develop their potential.

4. **Education**: Analyze how both authors underscore the significance of education in their works. King emphasizes the importance of education as a means of enlightening individuals and fostering social progress. Kozol examines how illiteracy hinders personal growth, perpetuates social divisions, and reinforces inequality.

5. **Activism**: Explore how both King and Kozol encourage activism and the power of taking action. King's letter from Birmingham Jail showcases the need for nonviolent direct action to bring about change, while Kozol urges readers to confront illiteracy and advocate for reforms in the education system.

6. **Impact on Society**: Discuss the impact of their writings on society. Both authors aim to inspire and create awareness of social issues. Examine how their ideas have influenced subsequent generations and led to significant changes, such as the civil rights movement and literacy initiatives.

Remember to support your arguments with specific quotes and examples from both texts. Additionally, analyze the rhetorical devices, tone, and style used by each author to convey their concepts and messages effectively.

It's crucial to thoroughly read and study the texts yourself to fully understand the concepts and ideas presented by King and Kozol. By engaging with their writings, you'll have a better understanding of the themes they explore and be able to form your own analysis and interpretations for your essay.