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Analysis Of Henry David Thoreau 's Letter From Birmingham Jail

Decent Essays

Throughout our country’s history, important figures have questioned how to play a role in confrontations and have practiced freedom of speech rights for justice. In the two articles, “Civil Disobedience” by Henry David Thoreau, and “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King, Jr.; both speakers focused on challenging social and political complications for the better of the future, country, and the government. “Civil Disobedience” by Thoreau, Henry David follows the author detaching himself from the government due to it favoring the majority based on the powers the certain group possesses and its stance on slavery. It, also, declares that the government is most optimal when it has the least amount of power over its people. The article, “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by King, Jr., Martin Luther, writes to defend his visit to Birmingham based on racial discrimination, segregation, church affiliations, and past conflicts. While both articles had a different approaches to challenging society and politics, “Letter from Birmingham Jail” was more effective in being presented than “Civil Disobedience” due to its diction, syntax, and tone.

Furthermore, King is much more focused on addressing his targeted audience, doubtful citizens. A format is created that organized his best assumption of people, addressing a topic, claiming his side, and tied together with his personal affiliation. This pattern built a clear, concise, and forthright claims. “While

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