Refer to explorations in literature for a complete version of the text. read this excerpt from "a letter from birmingham jail" by martin luther king jr.: i hope you are able to see the distinction i am trying to point out. in no sense do i advocate evading or defying the law, as would the rabid segregationist. which statement best describes the connotative meaning of the word rabid? it has a positive connotation, suggesting a level of grudging respect. it has a negative connotation, suggesting a severe lack of intelligence. it has a positive connotation, suggesting a genuine depth of feeling. it has a negative connotation, suggesting a dangerous fanaticism.