Question

Choose one effective allusion from King’s letter. Use details from the text to explain why it is effective.

Answer 1

King’s allusion supports his purpose.

King’s allusion allows him to connect with his audience.

King makes a historical allusion.

King makes a religious allusion.

King makes a literary allusion.

Answer 2

Dr. King employes his knowledge giving allusions from a variety of religious and secular traditions in the "Letter". Although each allusion has its own meaning, together they show two aspects of his argument. The first argument is that all men are interrelated and responsible for one another. King's allusions refer to secular theory, Jewish theology, Christian thinkers, political figures and historical persons. In his second argument, Dr. King’s use of allusions strengthen the reliability of his argument. He addresses the text to the people of many different backgrounds and proves that there is no difference between his culture and overall argument