We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy

“Civil Disobedience” vs “Huck Finn”

essay
The whole doc is available only for registered users

A limited time offer! Get a custom sample essay written according to your requirements urgent 3h delivery guaranteed

Order Now

Henry David Thoreau was without a doubt one of the most influential authors of American literature. He was a non-fiction writer that wrote many pieces (most of which were essays.) His literature almost always pertained to his own life experiences. In Civil Disobedience, Thoreau explains the reasons behind his disapproval of the American government. Mark Twain was another writer during a somewhat later time period than Thoreau. Twain was a fictional writer, however his stories were based upon real life ideas and experiences. In on of his novels, The Adventures of Huck Finn, Twain presents us with the idea of conformity and society versus nature, and what people might actually desire. Both authors characters are similar, Huck and Thoreau seem like they want the same thing, however have different approaches to what they want. These two people are very comparable, and yet they come from two totally different backgrounds.

In Civil Disobedience, Thoreau expresses his strong disapproval of the American government. He even makes the following statement: “the best government is the one that governs the least.” This quote shows us that Thoreau really does have a strong dislike for the government and that he will rebel against it. Thoreau does in fact rebel against the government by not paying his taxes. This causes him to suffer one night in jail. In his isolation, he is able to think, and concludes that he would rather be in jail than out in the real world.

The Adventures of Huck Finn presents the same concept, however in a different light. Huck Finn wants to get away from society because he wishes to be free, and he also wants his friend, who is a slave, to also feel the same freedom. Together the two of them escape the clutches of society (which represents the government and conformity) and float down the Mississippi. Huck was not however, as drastic as Thoreau. Instead of demonstrating his disapproval for the government, he simply ran away. In Thoreau’s essay, he felt animosity and disapproval towards the American government because it allowed slavery and the war with Mexico. He believed that he didn’t have to be part of something that he didn’t agree with, just as Huck felt.

The Adventures of Huck Finn and Civil Disobedience both have similar characteristics and characters. The two pieces of literature contain extremely similar ideas that relate to each other. Huck and Thoreau both wanted the same thing, freedom from the government and society, Thoreau was just willing to take the extra step.

Related Topics

We can write a custom essay

According to Your Specific Requirements

Order an essay
icon
300+
Materials Daily
icon
100,000+ Subjects
2000+ Topics
icon
Free Plagiarism
Checker
icon
All Materials
are Cataloged Well

Sorry, but copying text is forbidden on this website. If you need this or any other sample, we can send it to you via email.

By clicking "SEND", you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We'll occasionally send you account related and promo emails.
Sorry, but only registered users have full access

How about getting this access
immediately?

Your Answer Is Very Helpful For Us
Thank You A Lot!

logo

Emma Taylor

online

Hi there!
Would you like to get such a paper?
How about getting a customized one?

Can't find What you were Looking for?

Get access to our huge, continuously updated knowledge base

The next update will be in:
14 : 59 : 59