Martin Luther King, Jr. was a pastor, activist, and leader of the African-American civil rights movement. Mr. King was a man of honor and respect, even in the troubling situations of his prison sentence. People who were supposed to support him questioned his actions, Dr. King stayed true to what he believed in. In Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. King hoped that white religious leaders would come to his aid, but he instead encountered reluctance and opposition. In the “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” Martin Luther King Jr. refutes his critics’ claims using passionate tones, metaphors, and allusions. King effectively expresses why his critics are wrong in a passionate tone. He is extremely zealous for the rights that African Americans have been neglected and should have, as well as everyone else. Mr King was criticized for his “untimely” actions in Birmingham. “That expectation has almost always meant 'never'” (King 264) Martin Luther King is not just a bystander witnessing injustice; he is a victim and one of the few willing to fight for well-deserved justice. His tone also evokes a similar passion in the audience. The reader will feel this strong passion, and in doing so, they will realize that Dr. King knows what he is doing. Since Dr. King is directly affected and relatable, his writings are able to effortlessly capture his determination and courage. While having a passionate tone, he is able to maintain a respectable and calm tone throughout his letter. Dr. King's tone changes from brusque to conciliatory. His non-aggressive tone benefits Dr. King's argument and makes it more effective. If Dr. King had written in a hostile tone, clergymen would feel attacked and would not want to support his cause...... middle of paper ...... King, Jr. also used allusions from sources credible people, such as the philosophers Socrates, the reformer Martin Luther and Abraham Lincoln, to emphasize how widespread his view is. He also included the Jewish Rabbi Martin Buber and the Catholic Saint Thomas Aquinas to show how members of the faiths in his audience even supported his view. In “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” Martin Luther King is able to argue effectively against critics using passionate words. and calm tones, vivid metaphors and biblical and historical allusions. King uses numerous biblical allusions to resonate with his audience of clergymen and make them understand that they were condemning a righteous movement. The vivid language of metaphors captures emotion and broadens understanding. Mr. King was capable of doing anything to end injustice in Birmingham and his commitment was reflected in his tone..