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Analysis Of Thoreau's Letter From A Birmingham Jail

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Thoreau uses a disappointment and critical tone to get the reader to focus on his seriousness and to demonstrate the importance of having an unjust government. For instance, “His vote is of no more worth than that of any unprincipled foreigner or hireling native, who may have been bought ” (Thoreau 4). Thoreau critics the electoral process to demonstrate that leaders are not much different from people like slaves because they are all human and that is all that matters, which means they have no authority and should not disrespect people of color. Letter from a Birmingham Jail was written in a calm, polite, passionate, informative, humble and frustrated tone towards the end. For example, “I beg you forgive me: If I have said anything that understates the truth.” (King 9). By the end of the letter, King wrote in a humble tone to demonstrate he knows the truth is cruel to hear, especially coming from Martin Luther King who …show more content…

For instance, “...what is it, but a tradition, though a recent one, endeavoring to transmit itself unimpaired prosperity…”(Thoreau 1). He thinks the government should be a tool for people to utilize, not something that stays the same, the way tradition stays the same, and is against the citizens. Martin Luther King has a similar general idea. For example, “I think I should indicate why I am here in Birmingham…”(King 1) This demonstrates he is writing his response to the clergyman to talk about the reason he is in jail. King was in jail for speaking his mind about racial discrimination, but the clergyman did not like his protests accusing him of putting the lives of others in danger, but in reality it's the police who act violently and put the lives of innocent people in danger by persecuting the unruffled protesters. He also defends his organization and reminds the clergyman and the government that he has done no wrong or harm to anyone, yet he is in

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