In 1930, shortly before leading a march protesting the British tax on salt, Gandhi wrote a

letter to Viceroy Lord Irwin explaining the effect of the tax on his people. He uses polite diction
as well as powerful language in order to convince the British to repeal the salt tax.

Throughout the letter, Gandhi uses respectful and non-threatening diction. He outlines
the evils that have been done to India by Britain, but instead of using angry language, he states
“I invite you then to pave the way for immediate removal of those evils” (35-36). The phrase “I
invite you” is very open, seeming to give the reader a choice, and comes off as peaceful. In
using this, he manipulates his audience into believing that they can be the hero, by choosing to
remove evil, instead of being forced by him. Additionally, Gandhi uses friendly diction to
convince the viceroy that he wants what is best for him, saying “I have no desire to cause you
unnecessary embarrassment, or any at all, so far as I can help” (63-64). Though the purpose of
his speech is to get the viceroy to do something, Gandhi paints himself in a positive light,
implying that he means him no harm, in fact, he would gladly protect him from it. Establishing
good terms with the viceroy is a strategy to get him on his side, and help his people.

Powerful language is also used in Gandhi’s letter to establish his point. Though he is
polite towards the recipient, he makes it clear that his cause is important, and he will not stand
down until change has been made. He tells of his experience, saying he “served them up to
1919, blindly. But when my eyes were opened and I conceived non-cooperation, the object was
still to serve them”, but he can no longer cooperate. He clarifies that “if you cannot see your way
to deal with these evils… I shall proceed… to disregard the provisions of the salt laws”. He gives
the reader an option to take action, but informs him that if the wrong choice is made, he will take
matters into his own hands, and he will not be stopped.

In conclusion, Gandhi’s letter was clear and powerful, and although Britain did not repeal
the tax on salt, it used respectful diction and strong language to convince others the tax was
bad. Eventually he would go on to lead a revolution, and finally secure independence.