The Lives of the Cell (1971) - Lewis Thomas

       One cannot possibly imagine comparing the enormous Planet Earth to a single microscopic cell. Lewis Thomas, however, manages to creatively connect the two seemingly polar opposite matters into one through his brilliant piece, "The Lives of a Cell". Thomas, a former dean of Yale Medical School and New York University School of Medicine, effectively relates man with nature in order to illustrate the biological functions of a cell in an informative, yet comprehensible manner for the general public. By utilizing more figurative language while tying in scientific terms, Thomas creates a distinct and innovative way to explain that all living things are interdependent to one another, similar to the various organelles that make up the cell.
       Throughout his essay, Lewis Thomas exhibits a close relationship between organelles' functions and human activities through the use of metaphors and similes. Due to the lack of scientific knowledge during the 1970's, Thomas purposely uses figurative language to explain biological facts which he exemplifies by stating, "Our genomes are catalogs of instructions from all kinds of sources in nature, filed from all kinds of contingencies." (Thomas 359). By comparing ideas that are relatable to the audience, the author is able to explicitly inform his readers about a unique and revolutionizing concept. Rather than introducing puzzling new facts to prove his point, the author's writing technique allows the readers to comprehend and retain the same information much more effectively.
       In addition to the stylistic language, the author also incorporates scientific diction in order to appeal to his audience. For instance, Thomas adds specific jargon when comparing humans and cells stating, "My centrioles, basal bodies, and probably a good many other more obscure tiny beings at work inside my cell, each with its own special genome, are as foreign, and as essential, as aphids in anthills" (Thomas 359). The use of biological terminologies such as centrioles, genome, and aphids allows the author to not only inform readers, but also builds his credibility as a writer.  Ethos is evident throughout the passage which supports Thomas's claim because the readers trust his expertise in biology. Lewis Thomas balances new concepts with familiar terms as well, which allows his audience to comprehend his claim while seeing the validity of his work. Even during a time when the area of biology was much more vague than today, Thomas was still able to effectively present a revolutionary scientific idea through his eloquent writing style.

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Thomas compares the different aspects of the cells with human interactions to reveal the similarities between the biological matter and planet earth.

Letters from Birmingham Jail (1963) - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

         Known as one of the most reverend civil rights activist in history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. expresses his passionate viewpoint on discrimination to eight white clergymen in his notable "Letter from Birmingham Jail". After being arrested for parading without a permit, King attempts to defend justice for African-Americans across the country through his passionate thoughts. Despite the letter being sent to only eight officials, King's intended audience is high class, white individuals. Throughout his letter, Dr. King utilizes both ethos and pathos appeals to capture his readers' attention and communicate his opinion effectively, even during a period in history when segregation was ever so evident.
       Of all the devices that King includes in his letter, his appeal through ethics is most frequently employed. Numerous significant historical figures are referenced in order to justify his argument in a compelling manner. For instance, King cites one of the most prominent U.S. presidents to his advantage by stating, "Was not Abraham Lincoln an extremist - 'This nation cannot survive half slave and half free'" (King 273). In order to support his stance, King establishes credibility through the use of a variety of influential figures in order to ultimately express his passionate viewpoint. Importantly, the civil rights activist does not reference only African-American leaders to justify his point, rather he notes a variety of figures such as Jesus Christ, Lincoln, and Bunyan in order to appeal to his audience.  By building up validity to his argument, King establishes a firm foundation for his writing.
         Not only does King include ethics in his argument, but he also strengthens his claim by engaging the readers' emotions. He clarifies to the aristocratic white readers that it is easy for them to wait for change, but for black individuals such as King himself, a change is imperative. He exemplifies the harsh brutality faced by the black community by explaining "when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim; when you have seen hate filled policemen curse, kick, brutalize, and even kill your black brother and sisters with impunity... then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait" (King 267). By referencing the harsh treatments that innocent men, women, and children are facing, Dr. King makes the readers have a sympathetic connection with the oppressed. Including precise diction such as vicious, lynch, and brutalize allows King to expressively share his point of view to the carefree white community. Through his engaging and passionate words, Dr. King strengthens his compelling stance on discrimination and effectively adds onto his already well-established argument.

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Dr. King reflects on discrimination behind bars of Birmingham Jail.