Student Question
In The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, how do Henry's non-conforming beliefs convey the play's theme?
Quick answer:
Henry's non-conforming beliefs in "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail" underscore the theme of freedom by emphasizing the importance of individual conviction and resistance to societal pressures. His advocacy for personal independence is illustrated through his encouragement of independent thought and action, such as urging Ellen to resist her father's control. This contrasts with Emerson's compliance, highlighting Thoreau's dedication to his beliefs and enhancing his role as a social activist committed to true freedom.
Henry's non- conforming beliefs in The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail enhance the play's theme of freedom.
Freedom is one of the most important themes in The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail. Henry's non- conformist beliefs is one way to communicate this. Henry continually speaks of the need to be free in both thought and action:
If one honest man in this state of Massachusetts had the conviction and the courage to withdraw from this unholy partnership and let himself be locked up in the County Jail, it'd be the start of more true freedom than we've seen since a few farmers had the guts to block the British by the bridge up the road.
The quote above shows the importance of Henry's unwillingness to follow the majority. Another moment where Henry's non- conformity amplifies the theme of freedom is when he tells Ellen to "stand up" against her...
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father's efforts to control her and her brother's education. Through his insistence that Ellen "stand up for herself," Henry shows his passion towards independence of thought.
In the drama, the theme of freedom is enhanced through Henry's commitment to own voice. Henry consistently speaks of not being a "slave." This is shown in the drama as being free to think and act in a way that reflects a person's conscience. Henry embodies this in his non- conformist ways.
In The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, how do you feel about Henry's non-conformity?
I think that Henry's non- conformity is one of the most distinct and passionate character traits revealed in the drama. It is Henry's zeal in respecting his own voice and standing apart from the social realm that makes him such a unique character. I think that his non- conformity is what makes him so compelling. Part of this reason is because Thoreau's lack of conformity is contrasted with Emerson's own willingness to succumb to public opinion. Seeing that both men believed in the theories of Transcendentalism and Romantic thought, Thoreau's lack of conformity stands in complete opposition to Emerson's willingness to seek public adulation and praise. Thoreau's lack of conformity comes across as a commitment to his beliefs and his value system. This is something that Emerson notably lacks. It is for this reason that I think Thoreau's stance against conforming against a social order that is wrong is what makes him such a compelling character. This position is what enables him to embrace a higher plane of social activism at the end of the drama, only enhancing his beliefs and commitment to them.