Civil Disobedience Rhetorical Analysis Essay

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Civil disobedience is just because one should not follow laws that cause or lead up to slavery. The aftereffects of civil disobedience are not god-awful owing to the fact that when comparing an abusive treatment with a consequence of going against it; it is clear that it is better to practice civil disobedience than to not practice it and remain in pain of such that can be caused by slavery. Thoreau disputes his idea of revolting against a government during rough times by utilizing metaphor, imagery, and rhetorical questioning.
Thoreau applies the use of metaphors to convey his belief that those who serve the government are not human; basically, one who works in the government is just doing what is proper for the nation instead of what is morally just. As one can see, “The mass of men serve the state thus, not as men mainly, but as machines,...” Thereby, proving that men have to be controlled since they can not construct vivid utopias for the people. Moreover, if one does not have a “conscience” then one can not be moral. Therefore, one …show more content…

Thoreau writes, “Must the citizen ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resign his conscience to the legislation? Why has every man a conscience, then?” The first step to improving the government is by questioning one’s beliefs and identify what is truly needed as a change. Once a self reflection is complete, Thoreau questions the people why asking, “Is it not possible to take a step further towards recognizing and organizing the rights of man?” In speculation, Thoreau wants to navigate the people to find their true conscience and from there generate ideals for a perfect government. These can only be done if civil disobedience is in play to change the government in the first place. Withal, the people should then be moved to act on civil disobedience as there is no despotic

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