Thoreau and MLK, Jr.

“Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau and "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, Jr. are two great essays reflecting American history. The two essays are written on similar subjects but what is different is how they are written.

Thoreau speaks strongly on his views against the government. His essay was written to the people who feel the same as he does. Thoreau believes that the government is only strong because it is a majority not because it is the most legitimate view point. He states that people don’t always have to follow the law but do what is right instead. Thoreau thinks to much respect for the law leads people to do many unjust things.

In Martin Luther Kings paper “Letter from Birmingham Jail”, Martin Luther King, Jr. writes to a group of white clergy men, about the injustices of African-Americans particularly in the south. King writes to change the mind and view points of those who don’t agree with him.

In both papers Thoreau and King call for change. They write about problems dealing with American justices by using facts from slavery and the Mexican War. King and Thoreau also have been to jail for standing up for what they believe in. They build strong ethos and pathos. King compares what he is doing and what should be done to what Biblical figures and God did to appeal to the Christian clergy men. He builds strong pathos by discussing historical events such as the Holocaust and Hitler. Thoreau has creditability from his actions and references to Confucius.

The two are written in different styles though. Thoreau sees the issue one way and believes his way is right, it’s black and white. His argument is very direct and masculine and speaks in a strong tone. And King writes his letter with a more sympathetic letter looking for a common ground and willing to compromise; but at the same time supports his argument strongly. He writes with a rogerian argument, with many acknowledge and responses. He also writes in a sarcastic tone to prove his point. King uses words such as we, you, one for all, let us all hope, brother, to show that he wants to work with the people to find a solution rather than implementing his solution completely. While the two essays were written for different audience, occasions and purposes they both show how powerful putting words together can be.