Literature

Martin Luther King and Jonathan Swift are two of the best writers in history. They have produced some of the best and most influential writings in the world. One of their most admirable quality of their works is the way they effectively convey messages because of the style they were written that specifically considers their audience.

Kings (1963) Letter from Birmingham City Jail talks about the actions committed by King and his followers in Birmingham City in order to correct the oppression and discrimination practices that happened in the city. Injustice was prevalent in Birmingham City especially because of the massive segregation of the blacks from the whites. Hence, King wrote the letter in response to a group of clergyman who questioned his belief and his commitment to promote the desegregation of people according to race. The letter was also written in jail because King was imprisoned earlier because of his actions.

In his letter, he discusses a lot of things important to the civil rights movement in his time. He mentions that his presence in Birmingham was a result of the problems of the city. King (1963) tells the recipients of the letter that  the citys white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative,  and so, they resorted to demonstrations in order to fight for fairer treatment (p. 2). He asserts to the clergymen that it was about time for the blacks to stand for themselves and make the whites aware that they will no longer put up with their discriminatory acts. King (1963) refers to this  constructive, non-violent tension  as the only answer to the problem of injustice (p. 3). Kings letter is well-written and completely details the purpose of what he found as the proper action towards the mistreatment of the blacks. He even states that the authorities should start answering the  pressure from the devotees of civil rights  (King, 1963, p. 3). The tone of voice that King (1963) employs in his letter has a hint of defiance and disappointment towards his critics and the whites, yet he is firm with his belief that the injustices should be corrected already. King (1963) uses real examples to clear his stand that  oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever  and appeals heavily to the emotions of the readers (p. 7). King also presents a religious comparative analysis between his experiences and beliefs because he is appealing to his fellow clergymen to understand him and see the light of his beliefs.

Swifts (1729) A Modest Proposal, on the other hand, talks about the problems of poverty in Ireland, specifically on the situation of women who resort to begging in order for their children to live. Swift takes the view of a concerned economist in writing this satire. In a sarcastic and witty tone, Swift proposes that, to solve poverty, mothers should be allowed to sell their one-year old children to the market. These children could be bought as food for the wealthy people. Aside from elevating the poverty rates, Swift (1729) explains that this practice could also help  prevent those voluntary abortions  and all lives would be deemed useful. The practice that Swift wanted to impose is very ludicrous in principle and yet, the ironic descriptions and high-tempered manner of speaking that the writer uses makes it effective in pushing people to read and think. Swifts (1729) solution that children  be offered in the sale to the persons of quality and fortune through the kingdom  as food is hair raising, especially due to his explicit descriptions. However, in reality, he appeals to the people who can really help the poor without having to sacrifice the lives of young children.

Both Swift and Kings writings are effective in their appeals towards their audiences. If the two writers would interchange the tone of voice and choice of words they used in their writings, their audiences would probably be bewildered and their purpose for writing would be misjudged. For instance, if Swift used a serious tone in the same context of his writing, he would have been considered mentally unstable and would probably be punished for his proposal. His real message would not reach his audience. On the other hand, if King used the sarcastic tone that Swift used in his proposal, he would not be taken seriously by his critics, and they would probably think that he is mocking the issue of racial segregation.

Hence, King and Swifts writings are both effective and thought-provoking in the sense that they are well-written and they promote strong arguments. Both writers highly considered the audience of their writings and employed the tone that fits their intentions best. Their writings are both socially relevant and eye-opening. These qualities make the works of King and Swift influential and effective in getting the message across their audience.