Give a description of Thoreau’s roommate in the prison cell
Civil Disobedience is a notable literary work by Henry David Thoreau. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of Civil Disobedience.
Answer
Question: Give a description of Thoreau’s roommate in the prison cell.
Imagine a dimly lit prison cell with cold stone walls and iron bars casting eerie shadows. Henry David Thoreau (1817-62) found himself in this bleak environment. In “Civil Disobedience” (1849), he shares a space with a fellow inmate, his roommate in prison. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating character:
Introduction to the Room-Mate: the jailer introduced Thoreau’s room-mate as,
“A first-rate fellow and a clever man.”
This initial description sets a somewhat positive tone. He hints at the possibility of an interesting interaction between the two prisoners.
Occupation and Behavior: Thoreau’s room-mate had been in jail for approximately three months, awaiting trial. Despite his trouble, he appeared quite domesticated and content with his situation. Thoreau observes that the roommate seemed to be accustomed to prison life, as he showed Thoreau where to hang his hat and explained how things were managed in the cell.
Origin of Imprisonment: The reason for the roommate’s imprisonment was somewhat comical yet unfortunate. Thoreau recounts that the man was accused of burning a barn, although he vehemently denied the accusation. He claimed that he had merely fallen asleep in the barn while intoxicated and accidentally caused a fire. The man says,
“They accuse me of burning a barn; but I never did it.”
Attitude Towards Prison: Despite his circumstances, the roommate appeared to have adapted to life behind bars. He was described as being quite cheerful and resigned to his fate. He even expressed doubt about whether he would ever see Thoreau again after being let out for his daily work.
In termination, Thoreau’s roommate in the prison cell emerges as a character who, despite facing legal troubles, maintains a positive and somewhat resigned attitude towards his situation. His adaptability and acceptance of his circumstances provide an interesting contrast to Thoreau’s own reflections on civil disobedience and individual autonomy.