“Resistance to Civil Government” by Henry David Thoreau Essay

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Henry David Thoreau’s work, “Resistance to Civil Government,” became an essential input into American history. The author narrates about resistance to the American government and demonstrates the numerous reasons for this action. The essay speaks about the dissonance between the actions of government and established laws; it illustrates how the government acts against its citizens. Thoreau speaks about enslavement, oppression, and imprisonment of citizens, comparing the government to a “machine,” which takes the freedom away from Americans (Thoreau & Rossi, 1992, p. 228). The metaphor with a machine may emphasize that the government has no humanistic qualities and its deprivation of the true soul. In addition, Thoreau is concerned about the reluctance of citizens who are not involved in the desire for revolution. However, this reluctance happens due to a tyrannical government, and people seem to know in advance that nothing can be changed. They are tired of these policies, but they feel powerless in front of invading American armies (Thoreau & Rossi, 1992, p. 228). Thoreau accepts the desperation of the American people, saying that it is also impossible to fight against the majority.

Moreover, the unjustified imprisonment of citizens becomes one more concern for Thoreau. He is comparing prisons of Massachusetts to the “only proper place today” for living, as the government creates a country which conditions are similar to the actual jail (Thoreau & Rossi, 1992, p. 230). The idea is expressed in capturing Americans whether they are imprisoned or released; this capturing deprives people of freedom of speech, actions, and changes. Thoreau also points that government seems to be interested in making its peaceful citizens enemies rather than notice foreign foes that might represent a threat to the state. The awareness of citizens in shifting the government might be quickly oppressed, as the power of the “machine” is enormous against the population. In conclusion, Thoreau is ready to accept his position as the American citizen; however, he emphasizes that the government’s actions do not comply with regulations and laws of America. The essay ends with Thoreau’s unwillingness to discuss the power in the government and digressions about the transience of human life.

Reference

Thoreau, H. D., & Rossi, W. (1992). Walden and Resistance to Civil Government (Norton Critical Editions) (2nd ed.). W. W. Norton.

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