Read this excerpt from paragraph 9 of “Letter from a Birmingham Jail" and answer the question.

"Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, so must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood."

What is King's most likely reason for comparing Socrates' ideas about tension in the mind with the tension of those who were involved in nonviolent direct action in Birmingham?

a. The uplifting goals King sought while writing in Birmingham are as relevant today as they were when Socrates wrote about in Athens.
b. The strain among opposing groups in Birmingham was similar to the creative blockades in ancient Athens, to which Socrates referred.
c. The situation in Birmingham required an appeal to city officials, which was similar to Socrates' petition for action to the Greek city-states.
d. The actions of Socrates served as an example for King of how harmony was eventually achieved among warring groups during ancient times.

Respuesta :

In the letter, King, mentions how Socrates made people think by creating tension in the mind, and how he wants to do the same so that in a non violent way, people would become a better version of themselves (not racist) and would therefore come together as a brotherhood. Taking into account these ideas, the correct answer would be option B: "The strain among opposing groups in Birmingham was similar to the creative blockades in ancient Athens, to which Socrates referred". Option A is incorrect because Socrates and King were not seeking the same goal. Option C is incorrect because King never mentions city officials or that Socrates petitioned Greek city-states and finally option D is incorrect because King never mentions that Socrates was trying to achieve harmony between warring groups.

Answer:

B

Explanation: