Rhetorical Analysis Of Civil Disobedience

Some synonyms of the word ‘government’ include: ‘authority’, ‘regime’, and ‘leadership’. Now simply replace those words with: ‘manipulative’, ‘prejudicial’, and ‘corrupt’ and there lies the Thoreau’s startling precept about our government. In Henry Thoreau’s From Civil Disobedience, modern government and its regime are questioned— highlighting its inherent ineffective praxis. Though flaws in the government systems are alluded to, Thoreau declares that he is not in favour of the government being eradicated per say, just improved. Society however, are called to realize that—even if the government is deemed ‘better’— there are ‘congenital’ defects of such an omnipresent and invasive authoritative body. Thoreau brilliantly uses diction, tone,
and theme to emphasize that government is not based upon justice, and tells society to hold its own conscience and beliefs as precedent, rather than upholding statute.
Firstly, Thoreau’s diction is extremely purposeful in supporting his targeted message because it is very elevated and complex, as he uses words such as: ‘expedient’, ‘endeavoring’, ‘posterity’, and ‘alacrity’. Especially when speaking about something so substantial, such as our governing system, it is essential and crucial for the speaker to seem credible or even intelligent enough to be speaking of such a paramount matter. Thoreau, unequivocally proving that he is capable of such intelligence and knowledge with his expansive vocabulary and allusion to current events (The Mexican War), pushes the audience to be more attentive to his words and really digest what he is saying. Thoreau sounding (and being) extremely educated also influences the audience to see his opinion as fact and truth, rather than opinion. Thoreau also creates a sense of unity by the frequent usage of the pronouns ‘I’, ‘we’, and ‘the people’. For example, ‘[t]he character inherent in the American people has done all that has been accomplished; and it would have done somewhat more, if the government had not sometimes got in its way.’ (lines 31-34). He groups himself with ‘the people’ which generates ethos since the author shares common ground with the rest of the people—being a victim of the government’s system, alongside everyone else. This influences the audience to take his side of the argument, since he makes the case that he is ‘one of them’. Furthermore, he creates a sense of division between the people and the government by multitudinously referring to the government as just ‘it’. For example, ‘[i]t does not keep the country free. It does not settle the West. It does not educate.’ (lines 30-31). Thoreau’s italization and utilization of the pronoun ‘it’ demonstrates the enormous lack of respect Thoreau has for the government. Combined with the short, sharp sentences, this anaphora constructs both a literary and literal wall between the government and the citizens, further emphasizing the severance and disapproval between the two.
Thoreau also uses tone to develop his central point in From Civil Disobedience.
In his opening paragraph, he declares the bold and audacious statements: ‘[...] government is best which governs least [...]’ (lines 1-2) followed by, ‘[...] government is best which governs not at all [...]’ (line 4). Immediately the audience is—very clearly—exposed to his argument, which has an immense amount of force behind it. This is vital for Thoreau’s argument, as throughout his essay the audience hears a very strong and passionate voice, urging them to feel the same way about the topic, and that they too have been wronged by the government. Alongside Thoreau’s very forceful and powerful tone, a candid and critical tone is present. ‘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?’ (lines 18-20). This very prominent line denounces the American government’s rectitude, implying that its partiality has reached to the point where it is just a pattern, and continued to increasingly execute unequitable behaviour. Though his attitude sounds negative and pessimistic, Thoreau does make a petition for action from society with an encouraging tone. ‘[...] 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...’ (lines 45-48). Here, Thoreau uses ethos, as he knows that every man (and woman) wants to be respected, which then builds motivation for the people to take action against the current unjust government instead of heeding to its indoctrinated
morals. Lastly, a major theme in From Civil Disobedience is how unrighteous and manipulating the American government is. ‘It [the government] is sort of a wooden gun to the people itself;’ (lines 21-22). This quote signifies the mere illusion of power given to the citizens by the government, making them think that they are the ones who pull the trigger, yet if they were to use the gun— it would ‘surely split.’ (lines 23-24), rendering the people powerless in actuality. Throughout the essay, Thoreau doubts the probity of the government while designating blame and dishonour upon it, which further supports his central argument of the government being built upon a foundation of injustice. Another prominent theme is the exclamation for civil disobedience, hence the title of Thoreau's essay. Yes, Thoreau does critique the practises and integrity of the government and labels it as the perpetrator, however society is the willing victim, as it blindly continues to support the system almost as if it wants to be deceived. As Thoreau states, ‘[g]overnments show thus how successfully men can be imposed upon,’ (lines 26-27). Thoreau candidly, or even mockingly, remarks how successful the government is in manipulating the people. This causes the audience to feel dishonoured and even laughed at by the government, again influencing them to take Thoreau’s side of the argument. Mocking the audience in such a way gives a blatant reminder to them of the government in which they ‘[...]have chosen to execute their will,’ (line 13) or support, causing them to question whether these are the mandates and morals they should follow, or if Thoreau’s advice to civilly disobey is the route to take, since the government just makes society into a laughing stock.
In conclusion, Henry Thoreau’s From Civil Disobedience is a profound piece of literature, outlining not only the defects of current governing systems, but a practical resolution as well. Thoreau reinforces the idea that even though the current American governing system is deeply flawed, it can be fixed if society resorts to taking action instead of just accepting the fact. While paving the way for potential regimes in the future, Thoreau used diction, tone, and theme effectively to strengthen his core argument. Not only does Thoreau provoke reflection upon the issue, but reflection on an individual's personal values and beliefs as whole as well and pondering how they intend to break the pattern of injustice.