Jourdon Anderson and Lillian Smith both write with great intent and
             purpose. In both writings they use their experiences to speak. Their
             voices are heard. Anderson goes from a first hand experience; the instances
             referred to in the letter were things that actually happened. On the other
             hand, Smith writes in an "allegorical form" to get her point across
             (Gardner). In other words, her writing portrays an extended metaphor. In
             this case, her character references represent situations that would happen
             After reading Jourdan Anderson's letter, one can conclude that he was
             definitely voicing his opinion on how he was treated. In the letter to his
             former Master, Jourdan begins with sarcasm. In the first paragraph he says,
             "I thought the Yankees would have hung you long before this, for harboring
             Rebs they found at your house" (Anderson). This kind of information is one
             that should be kept a secret, but it seems that Jourdon doesn't care
             because at that point, he cannot be punished for it. There are many ways
             this letter can be interpreted. A reader can assume that it was for
             revenge, and another can view it as closure of his past. Although the main
             purpose is not to blackmail his former master, the purpose of this letter
             At the beginning of the letter one can be fooled into thinking that
             Jourdan wants to go back and work for his old Master because he says, "I
             got your letter... promising to do better for me than anybody else can"
             (Anderson). When one reads further down, he or she can see that the comment
             had a hint of sarcasm. Why would any former slave leave his or her freedom
             to work for their former master that mistreated him or her? Why would one
             go and work for someone that had pointed a gun at him or her and shot with
             the intent of harm? It all concludes that this was more for venting
             purposes, because during the time the letter was written, Jourdon was free
             ...