Student Question
What is Henry's view of lawyers in "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail"?
Quick answer:
Henry's view of lawyers in "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail" is highly negative. He equates lawyers with the devil, suggesting they are deceitful and morally corrupt. When asked by Bailey to represent him in court, Henry passionately refuses, indicating he would rather perform menial tasks than "stoop to being a lawyer." This reflects his disdain not only for lawyers but also for government officials, whom he views as similarly untrustworthy.
This passage comes about nine pages in to Act Two. Bailey, who is another prisoner in the jail, tells Henry that he doesn’t have a lawyer for his trial. He’s impressed with how smart and articulate Henry is, so he asks the newcomer if he would represent him. Henry is outraged and passionate in his response:
Bailey, I would give you my coat, or my shoes, or my last peck of beans; I would chop wood for you, or push a wheelbarrow for you. But I would not stoop to being a lawyer for anyone! I think Lucifer was a lawyer: that’s why the Devil still gives advice to Presidents.
“Lucifer” is another word for Satan or the Devil. By using this reference, Henry meant that he considered lawyers to be the lowest of the low, or the most devious of individuals. He didn’t think highly of government officials, and lawyers were pretty close to them.
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