0
How was Thoreau similar to Emerson as in the play The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Here are some quotes from the two-act play The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail:
"Why has every man a conscience? I think that we should be men first and subjects afterward. It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right. The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think right."
"Law never made a men a whit more just; and by means of their respect for it, even the well-disposed are daily made the agents of injustice."
"Unjust laws exist; shall we be content to obey them, or shall we endeavor to amend them, and obey them until we have succeeded, or shall we transgress them at once? Men generally, under such a government as this, think that they ought to wait until they have persuaded the majority to alter them. They think that, if they should resist, the remedy would be worse than the evil. But it is the fault of the government itself that the remedy is worse than the evil. It makes it worse. Why does is it not more apt to anticipate and provide for reform? Why does it not cherish its wise minority? Why does it cry and resist before it is hurt? Why does it not encourage its citizens to be on the alert to point out its faults, and do better than it would have them? Why does it always crucify Christ, and excommunicate Copernicus and Luther, and pronounce Washington and Franklin rebels?"
"Anytime you hear a man called 'loony,' just remember that's a great compliment to the man and a great disrespect to the loon. A loon doesn't wage war, his government is perfect, being nonexistent. He is the world's best fisherman and completely in control of his senses, thank you."
Ivy Ratke
In the play "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail," both Thoreau and Emerson were proponents of Transcendentalism, a philosophical movement that emphasized the connection between nature, self-reliance, and individualism. They both believed in the importance of living a simple and meaningful life outside of societal norms and structures. Additionally, both characters questioned authority and sought to live according to their own principles.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThoreau and Emerson both had a urge to change things and inforce ideas in others. However Emerson was not able to stand up to his words, but Thoreau protested for what he truly believed in. Also, both were hypocritical. Emerson claimed he wanted to change things, and yet he would not make a statement about the war because he was scared. Thoreau wanted to change things, and did speak out about them, but he could not properly live in the way he taught others to live because he hid himself in Walden Pond.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoWell, I only know one theme, and that is freedom. Thoreau is constantly trying to attain freedom. Not just from jail, but from society and its restrictions. He goes so far as to move out in the middle of nowhere, to be simply and truly free. In the play, Thoreau constantly criticizes slavery as well, by condemning Henry William's (the slave he meets) way of thinking and the way he was treated. He also says that white people are slaves in a way. They are "work slaves", and they work for hours a day in order to attain truly nothing.
Hope that helps. :)
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoHere are some quotes from the two-act play The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail:
"Why has every man a conscience? I think that we should be men first and subjects afterward. It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right. The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think right."
"Law never made a men a whit more just; and by means of their respect for it, even the well-disposed are daily made the agents of injustice."
"Unjust laws exist; shall we be content to obey them, or shall we endeavor to amend them, and obey them until we have succeeded, or shall we transgress them at once? Men generally, under such a government as this, think that they ought to wait until they have persuaded the majority to alter them. They think that, if they should resist, the remedy would be worse than the evil. But it is the fault of the government itself that the remedy is worse than the evil. It makes it worse. Why does is it not more apt to anticipate and provide for reform? Why does it not cherish its wise minority? Why does it cry and resist before it is hurt? Why does it not encourage its citizens to be on the alert to point out its faults, and do better than it would have them? Why does it always crucify Christ, and excommunicate Copernicus and Luther, and pronounce Washington and Franklin rebels?"
"Anytime you hear a man called 'loony,' just remember that's a great compliment to the man and a great disrespect to the loon. A loon doesn't wage war, his government is perfect, being nonexistent. He is the world's best fisherman and completely in control of his senses, thank you."
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThoreau was thrown in jail for being an abolitionist and or refusing to pay his toll taxes
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Who dies in the end of the first act of The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail?
In the first act of "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail," Waldo Emerson's son, Waldo, dies. This event serves as a turning point in the play, impacting Thoreau's beliefs and relationships with others.
How many pages are in The night thoreau spent in jail?
"The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail" by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee is a play, so the number of pages can vary depending on the edition or formatting. However, a typical edition of the play has around 100 pages.
Who is the publisher of The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail?
Assuming you mean writers, and not publishers.Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. LEE wrote the play.
What literary devices are used in The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail?
"The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail" by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee uses various literary devices such as metaphor, symbolism, and dramatic irony. Through the characters and their interactions, the play explores themes of freedom, individualism, and civil disobedience, using these devices to deepen the layers of meaning and engage the audience in a thought-provoking narrative.
Examples of transcendentalism in act 2 of the night Thoreau spent in jail?
In Act 2 of "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail," transcendentalism is evident when Henry embraces nonconformity by refusing to pay a poll tax in protest against slavery and the Mexican-American War. He also explores the idea of following one's own conscience over societal expectations, echoing transcendentalist beliefs in individualism and self-reliance. Thoreau's experiences in jail lead him to reflect on the unjust nature of government authority and the importance of living in accordance with one's principles, further embodying transcendentalist philosophy.
What was Henry david Thoreau primary purpose in writing civil disobedience?
Henry David Thoreau wrote Civil Disobedience as a form of protest against taxation. He spent the night in jail after refusing to pay a tax that would fund the Mexican War. He thought that submitting to the tax was being a slave to the government.
Why is Ellen's brother Edmund removed from Thoreau's school?
Edmund was removed from Thoreau's school because he was not interested in studying or following the discipline of the school. Thoreau recognized that Edmund needed a different approach to education and suggested that he be taught at home instead.
How does the fact that Thoreau spent only one night in jail affect your evaluation of his opinion?
Thoreau's brief time in jail does not diminish the validity of his opinion on civil disobedience and the role of the individual in society. His experience, reinforced by his strong beliefs, helped shape his influential views on nonviolent resistance and the importance of standing up for one's principles.
In Walden why did Henry David Thoreau leave the woods to return to civilization?
He felt he had spent enough time there.
When did Henry David Thoreau refuse to pay his taxes?
To protest slavery
Who is thorough?
He is actually Henry David Thoreau, a transcendentalist writer who spent time in Walden woods getting back to nature.
Is night countable noun?
Yes, the noun 'night' is a countable noun:We spent the night at grandma's house.We spent two nights at grandma's house.
