College

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

"Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will."

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

A. To condemn the insincerity of his critics' advice
B. To contrast the motivations of people in power
C. To explain the need for mutual understanding
D. To criticize people who treat others cruelly

Answer :

Final answer:

Dr. King's sentence highlights his frustration with those who, despite good intentions, provide shallow understanding, complicating civil rights efforts. His purpose is to emphasize the necessity of mutual understanding in the struggle for justice. This emphasizes that a lack of deep engagement can be more damaging than outright opposition.


Explanation:

Understanding Dr. King's Purpose

In the excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail," the sentence "Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will" serves a significant purpose. It illustrates Dr. King's profound frustration with those who, despite having good intentions, fail to grasp the depth of the struggle for civil rights. This frustration is rooted in the belief that their lack of understanding complicates progress more than outright opposition from those who are openly hostile.

The author's purpose in including this sentence can best be described as:

  • To deliberately condemn the insincerity of his critics' advice.
  • To emphasize the need for mutual understanding between different groups.
  • To highlight the barriers created by seemingly well-meaning individuals who do not engage deeply with social issues.

By contrasting the responses from those who are well-meaning but uninformed with those who actively work against him, King advocates for a more informed and empathetic approach to civil rights. His ultimate goal is to foster an environment where true understanding can lead to meaningful change, rather than simply accepting simplistic advice that may hinder progress.


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