Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau Analysis Essay Example

The idea of transcendentalism became influential in American society during the 19th century. As it gave a new perspective on life itself. One of these authors, Henry David Thoreau, wrote an essay about this idea called Civil Disobedience. Which emphasizes the power & will that we have to resist the government’s decision, such as our ability to protest what is morally right. Throughout “Civil Disobedience” Henry David Thoreau explores the concept of our ability to resist the government’s action through the use of conflict.

Thoreau discusses in his essay how man often experiences internal turmoil. For example, he says, “They hesitate, and they regret, and sometimes they petition, but they do nothing and with effect. They will wait, well disposed of, for others to remedy the evil, that they may no longer have it to regret” Thoreau tries to convey our fear, weakness, and regret in our actions against government decisions; For example, we often let other people petition or protest against the government for us. In fear of us being criticized ourselves and no longer having to regret petitioning. The technique used man vs. himself reveals the central idea by revealing the internal battle we experience within ourselves; for instance, the internal battle of whether to speak out against the government’s decisions or to remain silent. Giving insight into our troubled minds and ignorance of the power that we have over the government. Overall, we should know our power to resist the government’s actions and policies and to protest without fear of being judged.

Thoreau also discusses how men often fight against their community. For instance, “ Even voting for the right is doing nothing for it. It is only expressing to men feebly your desire that it should prevail. A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority” emphasizing that we shouldn’t let our representation be in vain and managed by the majority, but to take action and ensure that our representation is voiced throughout the majority. The technique that is used: man vs society shows that we are fighting for our representation against the majority’s mindset and ensuring that it survives from being ignored by everyone. Connecting to the central idea that we can stand against the government if we put our minds into it. Giving us the ability to change our moral beliefs. With determination and will, we can have the potential to stand against the government and transform society for what is right.

In Civil disobedience, Henry David Thoreau, a transcendentalist writer, emphasizes the idea that we have the willpower and power to stand against the government through the use of conflict. For example, being able to reason with yourself and win against yourself to take the step to take action. As well as being able to withstand yourself against the majority in society who disagree with you. Overall, Henry David Thoreau effectively uses conflict to project our own abilities to stand against the government.