A rhetorical analysis of the letter Mahatma Ghandi sent to the Viceroy Lord Irwin. Essay written in under 50 minutes as practice for the 2020 AP Language and Composition Exam. Prompt attached below. Mahatma Gandhi is regarded by many as the first to successfully rebel against repressive force by using nonviolence. He writes this letter to the Viceroy Lord Irwin, the British representative in India, to inform him of the Salt March he will lead and to persuade Irwin into joining the rebellion, or at the very least, allowing it to proceed. Gandhi takes a determinant tone with Irwin, going to great lengths to extend an olive branch between the two and ensure the rebellion will remain nonviolent on both sides. Gandhi places great blame on Britain, but takes care to relieve Irwin of it. Describing Britain as having “consciously or unconsciously preyed upon” India, as well as mentioning a “cruel monopoly” later on paints Britain as Gandhi sees it, an oppressive nation unrightfully controlling India. He at first seems to give Britain the benefit of the doubt, but later makes it obvious to Irwin that Gandhi does believe Britain is purposefully at fault. Gandhi explicitly calls on Irwin when he writes “I invite you then to pave the way for immediate removal of those evils.” “Those evils” of course, being the unfair laws placed by Irwin’s own nation on Gandhi’s. Gandhi does not want to associate Irwin with Britain’s behavior, and considers Irwin a great potential ally in the rebellion. Gandhi’s care is clear in how he appeals to Irwin’s image and emotions. Explaining Gandhi’s process of being “acknowledged” by the British citizens and gaining their support through his love for them shows his ideas of nonviolence are not simply a tactic, but part of his core beliefs. It is in this way he ensures Irwin believes him to be a person with high moral standards, and someone who is inherently good. Gandhi shares “I believe I have always served [the British citizens]” to highlight he is not against all of Britain, simply their oppressive laws. Gandhi wants to work with Irwin in “promoting the common good” not because Gandhi believes the movement will not be successful, but because Gandhi has “no desire to cause [Irwin] unnecessary embarrassment.” Gandhi stresses to Irwin he simply wants what is best for both of them. Gandhi describes his goals to Irwin in great detail, enhancing the idea he has thought his plans through thoroughly. He acknowledges he “shall be running what might fairly be termed a mad risk” by choosing a non-violent path of resistance, but goes on to ensure this will not change. Gandhi describes to Irwin how he will “convert British people through nonviolence” to support his cause, and how the “sufferings they will undergo” willingly to support the rebellion will have the capability to “melt the stoniest hearts.” Gandhi wants to “make them see the wrong” in their ways, not through punishing or torturing them through violent actions, but by opening their eyes. Gandhi explicitly states when he will lead a march in protest of the salt laws, putting his full trust in Irwin not to shut them down. Above all, Gandhi states leading this rebellion is his “simple and sacred duty” proving to Irwin this is an altruistic act. In Gandhi’s letter to Irwin, he takes the authoritative tone of a general when describing his non-violent methods, but the caring tone of a friend when describing to Irwin the human aspect of the rebellion. Gandhi takes great care to prove his intentions to Irwin, showing he wants to free them all of the situation they are in, and create a better world. Throughout his letter, Gandhi’s only motive is to facilitate peace between himself and Irwin, what he believes can be the first step in freeing India from Britain’s repressive rule.
May 2020, 11th Grade
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