Civil disobedienceFrom

Henry David Thoreau

Vocabularyexpedient (ek spè« dè ßnt) n. resource

1. “That . . . least” the motto of the United States Magazine and Democratic Review, a literary-political journal.

I heartily accept the motto, “That government is best which gov-erns least”;1 and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which

also I believe: “That government is best which governs not at all”; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of govern-ment which they will have. Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are some-times, inexpedient. The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government. The standing army is only an arm of the standing government. The government itself, which is only the mode which the people have cho-sen to execute their will, is equally liable to be abused and perverted before the people can act through it. Witness the present Mexican war, the work of comparatively a few individuals using the standing government as their tool; for in the outset, the people would not have consented to this measure.

This American government—what is it but a tradition, though a recent one, endeavoring to transmit itself unimpaired to posterity, but each instant losing some of its integrity? It has not the vitality and force of a single living man; for a single man can bend it to his will. It is a sort of wooden gun to the people themselves; and, if ever

Background The Mexican War was a conflict between Mexico and the United States that took place from 1846 to 1848. The war was caused by a dispute over the boundary between Texas and Mexico, as well as by Mexico’s refusal to discuss selling California and New Mexico to the United States. Believing that President Polk had intentionally provoked the conflict before gaining congressional approval, Thoreau and many other Americans strongly objected to the war. In protest, Thoreau refused to pay his taxes and was forced to spend a night in jail. After that experience, Thoreau wrote “Civil Disobedience,” urging people to resist governmental policies with which they disagree.

Spiral Review Rhetorical Techniques What rhetorical technique does Thoreau use in the sentence beginning “This American govern-ment…”? Explain.

388 A Growing Nation (1800–1870)

they should use it in earnest as a real one against each other, it will surely split. But it is not the less necessary for this; for the people must have some complicated machinery or other, and hear its din, to satisfy that idea of government which they have. Governments show thus how successfully men can be imposed on, even impose on them-selves, for their own advantage. It is excellent, we must all allow; yet this government never of itself furthered any enterprise, but by the alacrity with which it got out of its way. It does not keep the country free. It does not settle the West. It does not educate. The character inherent in the American people has done all that has been accom-plished; and it would have done somewhat more, if the government had not sometimes got in its way. For government is an expedient by which men would fain succeed in letting one another alone; and, as has been said, when it is most expedient, the governed are most let alone by it. Trade and commerce, if they were not made of India rub-ber,2 would never manage to bounce over the obstacles which legisla-tors are continually putting in their way; and, if one were to judge these men wholly by the effects of their actions, and not partly by their intentions, they would deserve to be classed and punished with those mischievous persons who put obstructions on the railroads.

But, to speak practically and as a citizen, unlike those who call themselves no government men, I ask for, not at once no government, but at once a better government. Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it. . . .

2. India rubber � a form of crude rubber.

Vocabularyalacrity (ß�lak«�rß�tè) n. speed

Critical Reading

1. Key Ideas and Details (a) How does Thoreau define the best possible kind of government? (b) Draw Conclusions: According to Thoreau, when will Americans get the best possible kind of government?

2. Key Ideas and Details (a) Summarize: What is Thoreau asking his readers to do? (b) Evaluate: Does Thoreau present a convincing argument for acting on one’s principles?

3. Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (a) Criticize: What arguments might you use to counter Thoreau’s objections to the idea of a standing government? (b) Support: What examples might support an argument that government benefits individuals?

4. Integration of Ideas and Knowledge Do you find it surprising that the goals Thoreau tried to achieve have influenced genera-tions of people around the world? Explain. In your response, use at least two of these Essential Question words: self-reliance, vision, freedom, principle. [Connecting to the Essential Question: How does literature shape or reflect society?]

from Civil Disobedience 389

Metaphor/Analogy Things Compared

I wanted to live deepand suck out all themarrow of life

Meaning

Close Reading Activitiesfrom Walden • from Civil Disobedience

8. Integration of Knowledge and Ideas Thoreau expresses his explicit philosophical assumption that people should simplify their lives. (a) What sup-port for this belief does he provide? (b) How might someone argue against this idea?

9. Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (a) What evi-dence does Thoreau use to support his point that “It makes but little difference whether you are commit-ted to a farm or the county jail”? (b) What implicit philosophical assumption does this statement sug-gest? (c) Do you agree? Explain.

▼ Text in Bubble: “Dear Ralph, Talk about boring!! Nothing to do but take stupid walks in the dreary woods! You'd hate it!! Best regards, Henry” Caption: By Strategic Use of Postcards, Thoreau Manages to Keep Walden Pond Unspoiled.

© The New Yorker Collection 1988 J.B. Handelsman from cartoonbank.com. All Rights Reserved.

Literary Analysis

1. Craft and Structure Explain how the paragraph on simplicity in Walden demonstrates the following elements of Thoreau’s style: (a) a conversational tone, or attitude; (b) a tendency to use a series of figurative expressions, including metaphor and analogy, to develop a key idea.

2. Key Ideas and Details (a) What is the central idea Thoreau develops in the paragraph on simplicity? Summarize it in one sentence. (b) Note another section in Walden where Thoreau repeats the idea for emphasis.

3. Craft and Structure Thoreau often starts a paragraph with specific examples. He then applies them to a larger truth. (a) Identify one such paragraph. (b) Do you think this approach is effective? Explain.

4. Craft and Structure Choose two metaphors and one analogy from these essays. Use a chart like the one shown to examine the meanings of each one.

5. Craft and Structure In “Civil Disobedience,” Thoreau describes government as a “wooden gun.” In Walden, he describes civilized life as a “chopping sea.” (a) Explain the meaning of each metaphor. (b) Then, explain how the metaphors help Thoreau develop the logic of his ideas.

6. Craft and Structure (a) In which essay does Thoreau spend more time translating abstract ideas into concrete metaphors and analogies? (b) How does this choice reflect the purpose of the essay and the nature of his topic?

7. Analyze Visual Information Explain the humor in the cartoon at right.

COMMON CORE • EXTENDED STUDY: TRANSCENDENTALISM

Writing 1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning. (p. 391)Language 4.b. Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings. (p. 391)5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. (p. 391)

Common Core State Standards

390 A Growing Nation (1800–1870)