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An Analysis Of Abraham Lincoln's 'Letter From Birmingham Jail'

1213 Words5 Pages

Laurie Stone
Mr. Call
English 111 101
Feb. 10, 2015
The Fight for Courage, Equality, and Freedom “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly,” as stated in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” expresses that whatever one person or groups of people do, can instill courage in many others (337). The opening paragraph to Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address,” proposes “that all men are created equal” (286). In Chief Seattle’s “1854 Speech,” he struggles with the “Big Chief in Washington,” over land rights and freedom of his people (395). Lincoln, King, and Seattle make their mark in history when they take a stand for courage, equality, and freedom. The “Gettysburg Address” was one of Lincoln’s greatest speeches. He was preceded by the famous speaker of the day, Edward Everett, who had just given a two hour speech. In comparison, Lincoln’s was only about two minutes long and 272 words. Lincoln was there to dedicate a National Cemetery and did not feel it necessary for a lengthy speech. He conveyed to the audience “…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom…” from slavery and that the living need courage to keep fighting towards that goal (287). With his quote about equality, Lincoln means that this nation was conceived to be equal to all men. After …show more content…

Throughout the speech, he refers to the President of the United States as the “Big Chief in Washington” (395). As many untruths are revealed, he talks about the President wanting to be friends and, out of respect, wanting to buy their land, allowing them to live comfortably on a reservation and protecting them by keeping ships in the harbor (395). In truth, Seattle knows this is all a lie and a way for the White Man to save face because they have killed most of the Red Man. By moving them and providing for them, this will make it

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