That the army is one part of the government
Thoreau is suggesting that a standing army is just one part of a larger government system that relies on force and control to maintain power. He is highlighting how the military is used as a tool by the government to enforce its will and suppress dissent. Thoreau may be cautioning against the dangers of relying too heavily on military force to govern a society.
That the government is a toy that the people play with
To compare injustice to something concrete -apex
Sleeping is the metaphor Thoreau frequently uses.
In this metaphor, Thoreau is suggesting that the American government lacks the vitality and effectiveness of a single strong individual. He compares it to a wooden gun that cannot accomplish much on its own, implying that true power and change come from the actions and will of the people themselves.
Sleeping.
Read the following excerpt from Henry David Thoreau's "Resistance to Civil Government" Now, what are they? Men at all? Or small moveable forts and magazines, at service of some unscrupulous man in power? Which of these rhetorical devices does thoreau use here?
Thoreau frequently uses the metaphor of living a life of quiet desperation to describe living without purpose or meaning, simply going through the motions without truly thriving.
One argument could be that a standing government provides stability, protection, and infrastructure that are necessary for a functioning society. While individual freedom is important, a government also plays a crucial role in ensuring order and promoting the common good. Thoreau's objections may overlook the benefits that a well-functioning government can provide for its citizens.
Dawn plays most prominently in the metaphor.
Thoreau uses this metaphor to suggest that blindly following the law without questioning its morality or validity can lead to oppressive enforcement measures, symbolized by soldiers marching in formation. He implies that excessive obedience to unjust laws can result in the erosion of individual freedom and conscience.
Thoreau uses rhetorical questions to force readers to question their beliefs about governmen.
There needs to be some more information here. It does not show the passage so not sure which piece of Thoreau's you are talking about.