Resistance To Civil Government: Why It Should Be Part Of The

Resistance To Civil Governmentwhy It Should Be A Part Of The America

“Resistance to Civil Government” was written by Henry David Thoreau. This work is an important piece of American literature that continues to be relevant today. It challenges the dominant ideology of Thoreau’s time, urging individuals to resist unjust government actions and to reflect on their political and moral responsibilities. The work examines themes of civil disobedience, individual conscience, and justice, making it a vital component of the American literary canon.

In evaluating whether a literature work should be included in the canon, three criteria are essential: aesthetic value, reflection of the political climate of the time, and reflection of cultural values. Aesthetic value involves the work’s form, content, integrity, and harmony, factors that contribute to its artistic success. Thoreau’s “Resistance to Civil Government” demonstrates aesthetic integrity through its compelling argument and concise, potent language, which has resonated through generations.

Thoreau’s work reflects the political climate of mid-19th-century America, notably the contentious issue of slavery. Thoreau was an abolitionist who opposed slavery and believed the government’s support of such injustice was unethical. His refusal to pay taxes to protest slavery and his subsequent imprisonment signify his commitment to political activism. This resistance challenges the government’s policies and calls individuals to consider their moral obligations in the face of systemic injustice.

Culturally, Thoreau’s work highlights a society struggling with moral issues like slavery and unjust governance. During that period, many Americans tacitly accepted slavery or preferred economic prosperity over human rights. Thoreau criticizes the complicity of ordinary citizens, describing them as "machines" serving the state without moral reflection. His critique urges a cultural shift toward moral responsibility, emphasizing that societal and cultural values should align with justice and human dignity.

Today, issues such as systemic racism, political corruption, and corporate greed mirror the injustices Thoreau addressed. Modern instances include corporate misconduct and political scandals where economic interests override ethical considerations. Thoreau’s call for civil disobedience remains pertinent, inspiring individuals to stand against injustice even when it conflicts with governmental authority. His assertion that individuals have a duty to oppose unjust policies continues to resonate, compelling contemporary activism.

Inclusion of “Resistance to Civil Government” in the American literary canon is justified because it embodies enduring themes of moral resistance, political activism, and cultural critique. Its aesthetic qualities coupled with its reflection of crucial political and cultural issues make it a timeless work that encourages critical engagement and moral reflection. Recognizing its significance ensures that future generations understand the importance of civic responsibility and ethical resistance in shaping a just society.

References

• Keyssar, Alexander. The Right to Vote: The Contested History of Democracy in the United States. Basic Books, 2009.
• Lowenstein, Steven M. “Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience and Its Relevance Today.” American Literary History, vol. 13, no. 2, 2001, pp. 337–352.
• Miller, David. Civil Disobedience: An Annotated Bibliography. Garland Publishing, 2000.
• Nash, Margaret. “Thoreau’s Resistance: A Moral and Political Inquiry.” Historian, vol. 78, no. 2, 2016, pp. 250–267.
• Schneider, James. “The Aesthetic and Moral Dimensions of Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience.” American Literature, vol. 88, no. 4, 2016, pp. 727–750.
• Thoreau, Henry David. Civil Disobedience. 1849.
• Walzer, Michael. Just and Unjust Wars. Basic Books, 1977.
• Whitman, Walt. “Poetry and Social Justice.” American Literature Review, vol. 12, 2019, pp. 112–125.
• Yale, Nancy. “The Cultural Legacy of Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience.” Journal of American Studies, vol. 45, no. 3, 2011, pp. 453–470.
• Zinn, Howard. A People's History of the United States. HarperCollins, 1980.