Question

Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of the text. Read this excerpt from "A Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr.: I hope you are able to see the distinction I am trying to point out. In no sense do I advocate evading or defying the law, as would the rabid segregationist. Which statement best describes the connotative meaning of the word rabid? It has a negative connotation, suggesting a dangerous fanaticism. It has a positive connotation, suggesting a level of grudging respect. It has a negative connotation, suggesting a severe lack of intelligence. It has a positive connotation, suggesting a genuine depth of feeling.

Answer 1

It has a negative connotation, suggesting a dangerous fanaticism.

Step-by-step explanation:

A rabid is one of the dangerous known creatures and does not have good reality sense and mostly makes random attacks. Therefore, MLK Jr. uses the word rabid in a negative connotation form to imply negativity. He says that he does not agree with the advocacy of evading the law or defying it; that is why he talks about the rabid segregation. According to him, people are committing serious offenses. Thus the use of rabid also shows the fanaticism can widely spread leading to the destruction.

Answer 2

King uses the word rabid to mean a negative connotation, suggesting a dangerous fanaticism. Fanaticism is an unreasonable, or insane, eagerness to try and get their viewpoints across on segregation. During King's time, there were many protestors who did not try and fight segregation peaceably. King's intention, was to fight segregation in an amiable manner. This includes both sides of the issue.