Martin Luther King Junior's appeal to the clergymen's decisions was a concise, and effective statement, which conveys the reasons for, and the process in which civil disobedience can be put in action. In it, he directly but easily puts forth his reasons for his disappointment in rational, and understandable terms. He utilizes pathos in helping the readers identify with the problems of the black community, even if identity between the classes seemed impossible. King spoke of his children, and used them as an example to show how someone who is fresh into the world, and has not been tainted by society views segregation as unjust and irrational. He also used ethos in his argument by speaking of historical references where the only way people could gain power in an oppressed position, is to pressure the oppressors into giving some of that power away. King balances being brutally honest without sounding harsh and demanding in a way which gains attention and demands to be listened to. .
In King's essay, the most effective tool he uses is rationality. He clearly points out the reasons for his civil disobedience and refutes them in a positive and constructive fashion. He uses calm arguments as well as solutions which appease both sides, and construct the possibility for negotiation. The article raises many inequalities and makes the reader wonder how any of this is possible. He uses situations in which seem outrageous and incomprehensible to make the reader feel as an injustice is occurring. After reading the article, the read cannot rejects feelings of sympathy for the situation which was so faithfully accepted for too long. It brings hope because it was the catalyst in creating a cultural revolution which would benefit all citizens and help America live up to its name as "land of the free." King strengthens his argument by .
presenting opinions in a factual form, and by using statistics and realities of the inequalities surrounding him.