Resistance to Civil Government by David Thoreau
“Resistance to Civil Government” is Henry David Thoreau’s literary effort at grappling with the limitation and control that the government, and occasionally, the people themselves, impose. But what Thoreau is trying to do is illustrate that the government can and should be better than it is. His argument stresses that the state should be controlled less by the ideals of a select few that have found themselves at the top spots and more as the average man, insignificant in himself, but the veritable backbone of the state, would have it run. The opening sentence of "Civil Disobedience" sets the tone by stating – “That government is best which governs least.” Then Thoreau carries this logic one step further. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe, – “That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have. Government is at best but an expedient..The tone is very critical and daring. He is trying to improve the government so he is very stern and gets to the point. Thoreau’s tone could easily come off as assertive due to the way he approaches it. He very well could be assertive because he stands for what he believes in and doesn’t give up no matter what it takes. The syntax is very loose and subtle.
Letter From Birmingham Jail- Dr.Martin Luther King Junior
Martin Luther King Junior’s purpose for writing The Letter From Birmingham City Jail was to inform the clergymen of his remorse that the demonstrations were taking place in Birmingham, but felt that the white power structure left the black community with no other choice. He also wanted to persuade the community to face the issue head on. Martin Luther King, Jr. uses a lot of words in this letter that have negative connotations. The overall tone of the...