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Allusions and Metaphors in Letter from the Birmingham Jail Martin Luther King, Jr., in his famous Letter from the Birmingham Jail, responds forcefully yet politely to a public statement made by eight Alabama clergymen in 1963. He defends his position as an African American and strongly advocates racial equality, citing countless sources and employing several literary devices. Most significantly, King uses frequent allusions and vivid metaphors, to relate to his audience and convey his passion for …

…metaphors serve to connect him to his audience and to further his arguments about racial inequality. In a convincing and unique letter, King defends his race and argues against repression. He compellingly asserts his logic and wisdom though use of allusions and metaphors. More specifically, Martin Luther King, Jr. refers to famous religious leaders from the past, quotes the Bible, and uses vibrant images to identify with his readers and reveal his passion for equality.