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Read the excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail":

"Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was 'well timed' in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation."

What is the author's purpose for including this sentence?

A. To establish the suffering experienced under segregation
B. To define the concept of a direct action campaign
C. To criticize the public officials who endorse segregation
D. To explain his unwillingness to postpone his efforts

Answer :

Final answer:

King's sentence underscores the severe suffering caused by segregation, which is often overlooked by those unaffected, and reveals his insistence on immediate action against injustice. It serves both to criticize the delay in addressing civil rights issues and to justify his active stance. Ultimately, the excerpt emphasizes the urgent need for direct action in the face of oppression.


Explanation:

Understanding the Purpose of King's Excerpt

In Dr. Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail," the author includes the sentence about not experiencing a "well timed" direct action campaign to emphasize the profound suffering experienced under segregation. This statement highlights his perspective that those who have not felt the effects of segregation cannot judge the timing of his actions. By acknowledging the pain inflicted by segregation, King is not only illustrating the urgency of the situation but also making a case for the necessity of immediate action against injustice.

Additionally, this can be seen as a way for King to explain his unwillingness to postpone his efforts. He argues that waiting for the right moment can perpetuate suffering for those who are oppressed. His words serve to challenge public officials and society at large, prompting them to recognize the ethical imperative of acting against segregation.

Conclusion

Hence, the purpose of this excerpt is twofold: it establishes the gravity of the suffering under segregation and conveys King's determination to act despite opposition and the critique of timing.


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