Civil Disobedience

1. Why would Thoreau’s essay be called “Civil Disobedience”?

He calls his essay “Civil Disobedience” because he encourages people to non-violently protest the government when they do something unjust.

2. According to Thoreau, what is the definition of a government?

According to Thoreau, a government is an entity that should not interject on its people. It should be something that allows its people to do as they please and not harm them.

3. Thoreau suggests that “We should be men first, and subjects afterward.” What is the difference between the two? Why do you think Thoreau makes this suggestion?

By being “men first, and subjects afterward”, it means that one should live as they please and be themselves first and then live under someone else’s ruling second. He makes this suggestion because he believes the people should be able to be people without the government’s ruling.

4. Do you think Thoreau looks down on soldiers, captains, generals, etc? Support your answer with textual evidence (from what he actually says in his essay).

Thoreau seems as if he looks down on soldiers, captains, generals, and others because he believes they are doing these things “against their wills…against their common sense and conscience” (Thoreau 2). He continues by saying, “the mass of men serve the state thus, not as men mainly, but as machines, with their bodies” (Thoreau 2). He is saying that those who serve for their country are not men at all but machines.

5. What examples does he cite of conscientious men that were made the enemies of society (but were later vindicated and are now held in high esteem)?

The examples he uses of conscientious men that were made the enemies of society are Christ, Copernicus, Luther, Washington, and Franklin (Thoreau 5-6). Each had their own thoughts and ideas and were criticized for it but are now held with high honor.

6. How does Thoreau exercise “civil disobedience”? What happens as a result? Does his action fit in with your view of active citizenship? What else would you have done if you were in his shoes during his time period?

Thoreau exercises “civil disobedience” by writing this letter. As a result, this letter is still popular today. If I were in his shoes, I would have peacefully protested as well.