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English Assignment#3

The document analyzes five figures of speech used in Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'Letter from Birmingham Jail,' including metaphor, simile, anaphora, allusion, and personification. Each figure is illustrated with examples and explanations that highlight their emotional and persuasive power in conveying messages about justice and equality. The conclusion emphasizes how these rhetorical techniques enhance the letter's impact, making it a compelling call for action and social change.

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11 views2 pages

English Assignment#3

The document analyzes five figures of speech used in Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'Letter from Birmingham Jail,' including metaphor, simile, anaphora, allusion, and personification. Each figure is illustrated with examples and explanations that highlight their emotional and persuasive power in conveying messages about justice and equality. The conclusion emphasizes how these rhetorical techniques enhance the letter's impact, making it a compelling call for action and social change.

Uploaded by

huzefa.ali.m
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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[Assignment#03]

[Functional English]
[Mam Israt Aamer]
[Muhammad Ali Huzaifa_242690]
[Muhmmad Uzair Waheed_242780]
[Muhammad Zohaib Khan_242699]
[Muhammad Ahmed_242747]
Five Figures of Speech
1. Metaphor
o Example 1: "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a
single garment of destiny."
Explanation: This metaphor illustrates how deeply connected society is, stressing
the shared responsibility for justice.
o Example 2: "Justice too long delayed is justice denied."
Explanation: Justice is metaphorically depicted as something withheld,
highlighting the need for immediate action.
2. Simile
o Example 1: "Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty
stream."
Explanation: Comparing justice to a powerful stream emphasizes its unstoppable
and cleansing nature.
o Example 2: "They have languished in filthy roach-infested jails, suffering... like
dirty nigger lovers."
Explanation: The simile reflects the appalling conditions endured by those
supporting equality, showcasing their courage.
3. Anaphora
o Example 1: "When you have seen... When you suddenly find..."
Explanation: Repetition of "when" intensifies the personal and collective
experiences of oppression.
o Example 2: "I had hoped... I had hoped..."
Explanation: The repeated phrase conveys King’s disappointment with the white
moderates' lack of action.
4. Allusion
o Example 1: "Just as Socrates felt it was necessary to create tension in the mind..."
Explanation: This reference to Socrates aligns King’s activism with historic
philosophical pursuits for truth.
o Example 2: "Was not Jesus an extremist for love?"
Explanation: The biblical allusion adds moral weight to King’s nonviolent
approach, appealing to religious audiences.
5. Personification
o Example 1: "Time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation."
Explanation: Giving time human traits emphasizes its misuse in delaying
progress.
o Example 2: "The cup of endurance runs over."
Explanation: This personification illustrates the overwhelming frustration of the
oppressed.

Conclusion
The figures of speech in "Letter from Birmingham Jail" make it more emotional and powerful.
Metaphors and similes create clear and strong images, helping readers understand ideas about
justice and unfairness. Repeating words (anaphora) adds a sense of urgency, showing how hard
African Americans have fought for equality. References to people like Socrates and Jesus
(allusions) connect King’s ideas to well-known truths, making his message more believable.
Personification gives life to ideas like time and patience, making them easier to relate to. These
techniques turn the letter into more than just a reply. It becomes a strong call for justice and
fairness. By touching readers’ feelings and logic, King shows why action is so important. These
methods make the letter convincing and ensure its message will always stay meaningful.

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