Thoreau’s essay argues that a government proves itself of little value if it obtains its power to govern from the majority of the masses solely on the basis that they are the strongest group. He contends that a citizen’s first obligation is to cling to his or her own belief of what is right and not blindly follow the law dictated by the majority. In addition, Thoreau also believes that when a government is unjust, people should detachment themselves from its control and make it their civic-minded duty to avoid membership in any such unjust institution. Thoreau further laments that United States clearly fits his criteria for an unjust government, given its support of slavery and its practice of military aggression.

Thoreau continues his essay by revealing his skepticism on whether governmental reform by itself has any chance of making a difference and argues that voting and petitioning for chang

Aside from style and tone, further analysis of the essay reveals the main purpose of the essay. Though Thoreau addresses several different topics in “Civil Disobedience” it is strikingly obvious the main purpose of the essay is to serve as a political platform to which he can express his disdain for the institution of slavery. Thoreau clearly despised involuntary servitude and viewed it as perhaps the most insidious crime against mankind ever. It is because of his utter hatred for slavery, that Thoreau declares he disassociation with the American government and appeals to the right of revolution. In his mind, Thoreau believes the United States has become a military state, dishonest and self-serving, and every honest God-fearing citizen ought to rebel. He continues his criticism of not only the southern slave owners but also the northern merchants and farmers who seem to care more about making a profit than about serving humanity.

e rarely achieves the desired goal of its participants. According to Thoreau, protest in the form of separation as opposed to reformation is preferred as the only means of securing social and political change.

Thoreau’s position is summarized in a single rebellious act: in protest of slavery, Thoreau refuses to pay taxes and spends a night in jail. His fond account of his incarceration, as chronicled in “Civil Disobedience”, idealizes his argument for severing ties with government and further exemplifies the civic responsibility of those oppressed by it laws to reframe from participation in it’s institutions.

Further examination of the piece brings notice of its tone. Thoreau’s writing displays a tone of contempt that can easily be misunderstood as an avocation for complete anarchy, but closer scrutiny of this work reveals an author whose des

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