Persuasive Letter Essay

For this essay, you will do a persuasive essay (in letter format) in conjunction with ideas presented in Thoreaus essay Civil Disobedience. The topic you choose should be an example of a person or group acting out against a principle they deem unjust or against the good of the people. This is not a research paper, but I do want you to use a real/current example as your focus. The goal is to persuade the reader to agree with you and look at the ideas from the perspective of Thoreaus philosophy (you do not have to agree with his assertions). This essay should in some way follow the tenets and characteristics established in Civil Disobedience and use these to examine the issue in-depth. Why should the individual/groups actions be justified? How is this against a truly unjust principle? Does the principle reflect the conscience of the majority or not?

   As a persuasive letter, you should pay close attention to how you use all elements of persuasive writing (ethos, pathos, and logos). It should also include a call-to-action (i.e. Once your reader agrees with you, what can they do about it?). Your letter should be addressed to a specific person/organization/etc., so you have a clear concept of your specific audience. You can include quotes (though not necessary) from Thoreaus essay as long as they flow with the rest of your language.