In “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Dr. Martin Luther Kings Jr., Kings justifies his methods of achieving negotiations known as direct action. He strengthens his arguments by alluding to the inability of Birmingham's local government to resolve the daily injustices faced by African Americans. His use of imagery and choice of words convey an emotional response that challenges the priests to see the topic from his perspective. King's persuasive writing style includes logical arguments and allusions to respected historical figures. King's use of powerful images of the daily plight endured by African Americans elicits an emotional response from the audience. His ability to pinpoint histories of injustice and segregation presents the larger issue of civil rights in a way that clergy can relate to. King set the tone at the beginning of his letter by respectfully responding to clergymen's concerns. Start by addressing the opposing point of view, the disapproval of direct action, and their proposal to negotiate a plan. King responds by agreeing that negotiation is the best alternative; however, he offers a justification for his use of direct action. Before considering direct action, he explains his four-step plan. First, fact-gathering is done to ensure that injustices are committed in the community. If so, denial begins to take place to resolve the issue, but his efforts to negotiate failed: “The Negro leaders tried to negotiate with the city fathers. But the latter have consistently refused to engage in negotiations." (88) He then began the process of self-purification in which those who are oppressed are trained to handle any physical or mental abuse they may encounter while participating… middle of the paper… who have suffered daily injustice that they must expect. King continues to appeal to emotion by identifying the injustices suffered by many. He gives details of his young daughter crying and his son asking why white people treat him so badly. These images work to evoke empathy for King's cause and the civil rights movement. King's use of direct action was a direct result of the lack of corruption in the city of Birmingham. It provides strong arguments as to why direct action is needed, in order to enable positive change. Address priests' concerns and suggestions in a respectful manner, showing that you are not shy. His writing style perhaps suggests that both he and the clergy should work to resolve injustices in the community. King's essay ultimately became one of the most famous letters of the civil rights movement .