Question

read the excerpt from dr. martin luther kings \letter from birmingham jail.\

of course, there is nothing new about this kind of civil disobedience. it was evidenced sublimely in the refusal of shadrach, meshach and abednego to obey the laws of nebuchadnezzar, on the ground that a higher moral law was at stake.

king uses this allusion to

• retell an important historical tale.
• describe a governmental struggle in another place.
• explain the reason for his peaceful approach.
• forge a connection with familiar figures of faith.

Explanation:

Analyze the context and allusion

Using the Letter from Birmingham Jail Analysis and Allusion Analysis knowledge points

• Context: Dr. King is addressing a Christian and Jewish clergy audience who criticized his actions as "untimely" and law-breaking.
• Allusion: He references Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to obey the laws of King Nebuchadnezzar.
• Purpose: These are well-known biblical figures of faith. By referencing them, King establishes a historical and religious precedent for civil disobedience, connecting his contemporary struggle with figures his audience deeply respects and recognizes.

Evaluate the answer choices

Using the Allusion Analysis knowledge point

• Option 1: "retell an important historical tale." Incorrect; his purpose is rhetorical justification, not simple storytelling.
• Option 2: "describe a governmental struggle in another place." Incorrect; the focus is on moral and religious duty, not foreign political structures.
• Option 3: "explain the reason for his peaceful approach." Incorrect; this specific allusion justifies the act of disobeying unjust laws rather than explaining nonviolence itself.
• Option 4: "forge a connection with familiar figures of faith." Correct; referencing these biblical figures connects his actions to shared religious history, validating civil disobedience through respected faith archetypes.

Answer:

• retell an important historical tale.
• describe a governmental struggle in another place.
• explain the reason for his peaceful approach.
• forge a connection with familiar figures of faith. (Correct answer)