High School

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 quote reflects his frustration with well-intentioned advice that lacks depth and fails to acknowledge the urgency of civil rights. His purpose is to condemn the insincerity of his critics' suggestions, emphasizing the need for genuine understanding of the fight for justice. This message encourages readers to realize the importance of deep comprehension over shallow goodwill.


Explanation:

Understanding Dr. King’s Message


The excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" reflects an essential sentiment about the struggle for civil rights. The sentence, "Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will," highlights the frustration King feels towards those who, despite having good intentions, do not fully grasp the depth of the civil rights struggle.


By stating this, King's authorial purpose is primarily to condemn the insincerity of his critics' advice. Those who urge patience and gradual change, while meaning well, may inadvertently stall progress by not addressing the urgency of the situation. In contrast, people of ill will may be more transparent in their opposition; thus, it is their misunderstanding that poses less of an obstacle to real change.


Through this sentence, King urges his audience to recognize that understanding the injustices and their gravity is critical for effective advocacy. Therefore, the purpose of including this point is to challenge readers to seek genuine understanding and to measure the sincerity of their actions against the realities faced by those he represents in the struggle for civil rights.


Learn more about Civil Rights here:

https://brainly.com/question/16169510