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14th out of 51 books
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20 voters
The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail
A reissue of a now classic American drama.
If the law is of such a nature that it requires you to be an agent of injustice to another, then I say, break the law." So wrote the young Henry David Thoreau in 1849. Three years earlier, Thoreau had put his belief into action and refused to pay taxes because of the United States government's involvement in the Mexican War, which...more
If the law is of such a nature that it requires you to be an agent of injustice to another, then I say, break the law." So wrote the young Henry David Thoreau in 1849. Three years earlier, Thoreau had put his belief into action and refused to pay taxes because of the United States government's involvement in the Mexican War, which...more
Paperback, 112 pages
Published
July 10th 2001
by Hill and Wang
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A very thoughtful, cleverly written play. I found the numerous elements of philosophy very well done.
Besides being philosophical, this book also combines conflictual theories and references to Politics, Psychology, Transcendentalism, and Religion. Lawrence examines with a critical eye the government, corrupt politicians, and the country's choices concerning the present Mexican War.
Well written, with complicated and deep characters. The plot line is more than a bit hazy, but the author seems to b...more
Besides being philosophical, this book also combines conflictual theories and references to Politics, Psychology, Transcendentalism, and Religion. Lawrence examines with a critical eye the government, corrupt politicians, and the country's choices concerning the present Mexican War.
Well written, with complicated and deep characters. The plot line is more than a bit hazy, but the author seems to b...more
Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee's two-act play The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail is a distillation of the life and philosophy of Henry David Thoreau. True to Thoreau's exhortation to, "Simplify, Simplify!," the stage directions call for a minimalist production in which the audience is called, "to contribute imagination." Simplification does not mean sparsity, however, because the play includes Thoreau in all his roles: as author, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, pacifis...more
In this play, Thoreau is jailed for refusing to pay taxes because he doesn't want his money to support the Mexican/American war. The play takes from Thoreau's work and combines many years in the passing of a single night as he converses with his cell mate and has flashbacks about other times in his life. The quote that is the center of the work is, "If the law is of such a nature that it requires you to be an agent of injustice to another, then I say, break the law." The play was originally publ...more
There are days when I am not fit to be a teacher, and today is one of them. I had a 13.5 hour day yesterday and this one may be longer. My English 11 class finished reading this play this morning. One female pronounced it "gay" and said it "sucked." A male student declared it "pointless." Again, there are some days I just am not fit to be a teacher. Despite my displeasure, I gathered enough professionalism to encourage discussion on the the writers' purpose, and to discourage the use of the word...more
This drama provides a look into the life of Thoreau and how he withdrew from the world to Walden and decided to later leave Walden to discover more of the world. While the center of the stage has the jail cell at all times, the play is replete with flashbacks that tell the story of his young life, his argument with Emerson, and his unwavering conviction to his ideals. Any lover of Thoreau or Transcendentalism would love this book. I'm trying to determine if it is worth the read with my junior st...more
This play is more interesting as a document of its time (1971) than as any sort of resource for learning more about Thoreau, Emerson, and Transcendentalism. It makes use of the broadest strokes of Transcendentalist thought to rouse its audience against Vietnam. The only real interest here is in structure, which floats quite fluidly in and out of real time to remembered (and simultaneous) scenes on other parts of the stage. Having said that, I'm thinking seriously about using it for my Eng. III c...more
Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee (no, not that Robert E. Lee...) have created a wonderful and exciting tribute to one of America's greatest philosophers, and this play was certainly a joy to read.
Of course, any play loses some of its magic when read, but "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail" is still enthralling and wonderful out of context -- I can only imagine what it is like to see it live.
The play is not particularly difficult, and exists primarily as an introductory text for those interested i...more
Of course, any play loses some of its magic when read, but "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail" is still enthralling and wonderful out of context -- I can only imagine what it is like to see it live.
The play is not particularly difficult, and exists primarily as an introductory text for those interested i...more
This is perfect for teaching students that there are different ways of seeing the world. I'm using this play after teaching Julius Caesar to show that there are other ways to handle power struggles besides murder/assassination and suicide. Our actions and words show the world who we are. By increasing our vocabulary, use and understanding of rhetoric and persuasion we can avoid the use of physical force to solve our problems. Please read this book, you'll really enjoy it and it is a quick read.
I had higher hopes for this play, considering the title. But there were one too many anachronisms. And there wasn't really a hard press on the point of exactly WHY Thoreau ended up in jail. Yea, it mentioned that he refused to pay his taxes, but it seemed as if it was only in passing regarding why he refused to pay his taxes. Anyway, seemed like a good subject, but very little of the transcendentalism expected of a subject like Thoreau.
I think I bought this at a church rummage sale about 3 years ago, and it has just sat in my bookcase ever since. This is a great, quick read (as are most plays), and it was an interesting way to (concisely) learn about HD Thoreau. It would be interesting to see this play performed because it's so minimalist and really puts the onus on the audience to imagine. This is also a good read in terms of themes regarding civil disobedience. I'd recommend this.
I had to read this for school and it's actually a play. We were talking in depth about the trancendentalists and Thoreau embodied that era most of all.
I found this book very interesting! While I don't agree with a lot of things that Thoreau supported in the book, I thought it was an incredibly interesting and poetic view on life. The belief that you can and should set about changing anything that you don't agree with. The thought that the simplest life is the best life was unheard of in the Gild...more
I found this book very interesting! While I don't agree with a lot of things that Thoreau supported in the book, I thought it was an incredibly interesting and poetic view on life. The belief that you can and should set about changing anything that you don't agree with. The thought that the simplest life is the best life was unheard of in the Gild...more
A fun read considering it's required for the English curriculum. Though in the beginning it's a bit confusing because you're not used to the flashbacks, but by the end you'll be expecting them. In this play you meet many different characters whom all have distinct personalities and qualities. You also learn about transcendentalism and Thoreau's strong feelings towards it and the actions he takes to retain his beliefs.
First performed in 1970, it's easy to see how the playwrights were using Thoreau's stance against the war with Mexico to mirror their stance on the Vietnam war. However, it's still a good read. Interesting to see how the play keeps moving forward and backward in (Thoreau's) time and place. It would be interesting to see how the play is staged with such sparse sets and props. A good one to read at least once.
Reads like a relic of more hopeful times. The US government abstaining from senseless wars? A culture celebrating true freedom and individuality? Keep dreaming, Henry.
Also, oddly, he seems to be one of the forefathers of "intelligent design" theory by parroting the watchmaker argument, as well as starting the whole "don't pay your taxes if you think the government is evil" thing.
Also, oddly, he seems to be one of the forefathers of "intelligent design" theory by parroting the watchmaker argument, as well as starting the whole "don't pay your taxes if you think the government is evil" thing.
It's short (I read it in one period when I got out of Biology and sat in on Mr G's class) but questions both the value of words and actions. The two main characters express similar ideals, yet manage to be polar opposites- one a renowned speaker and the other a penniless do-er. It's fascinating from start to finish, and would be even more spectacular to see on live on a stage!
What I loved about this play is that it is staged, in a way, like a movie. When one scene ends another takes place in a different location on another part of the stage. The non-linear structure of the story is different and yet not confusing. It gives way for multiple story lines which when melded together make the meaning of the story that much more impactful.
I thought I had left Thoreau (and all stories about him) behind in high school, Humanities ("Human Agonies" as we called it) class to be specific. Collin had to read this book, a play, actually, for his Language Arts class and suggested I read it. I have to admit, I did enjoy it. It may have even inspired me to revisit Henry David in the future...
3.5
While reading it as opposed to watching it may have lessened some of the play's magic, I still loved the portrayal of Thoreau and agreed with many aspects of his philosophy. A great introduction to Transcendentalism.
Also, I will remember this line forever: "I hereby excommunicate you from the Milky Way!" Ha ha.
While reading it as opposed to watching it may have lessened some of the play's magic, I still loved the portrayal of Thoreau and agreed with many aspects of his philosophy. A great introduction to Transcendentalism.
Also, I will remember this line forever: "I hereby excommunicate you from the Milky Way!" Ha ha.
I read the book (which is technically a play) in 11th grade and found it to be humerous and deeply interesting. It reveals alot about Thoreau's charachter and rebellious nature while relating it to the popular trends of the times. Read it if you want some insightful knowledge on civil disobedience as well as a good laugh.
Mar 13, 2008
Mara
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Those who love plays, anyone who liked <i>Inherit the Wind</i>, and fans of transcendentalism
An amazing play-I learned far more about Thoreau and his ideas from this play even than reading Walden. I do need to reread his works; part of the reason I liked the play so much more might have had to do with reading both in high school. That time was so frenzied and there was too much already trying to be crammed in my brain, that it was difficult to absorb too much.... Maybe a cop-out, but really, this play is sensational. I would love to see it acted out-the stage directions alone were inter...more
Encapturing the brilliant yet crazy mind of Henry David this play is a fantastic read and I am sure would look great on stage. You feel as if you want to be best friends with Thoreau and go out and seek your own Walden. I found it at half price books for 3 bucks because they had too many!
Jan 19, 2010
Allie Maye
is currently reading it
So far, from my view, I can tell that this book inspires many people to believe what they believe is right and not to let anyone bully you around. I haven't read much though, and my look on this book and its theme is probably going to change until I read it all.
My Honors American Lit. class I had to read this, and we just finished it in class today. I don't know about the other people in my class, but I enjoyed it very much, so much so I wish I had bought my own copy of it instead of using the class set.
I thought it was a bit silly and "age of Aquarius," but it also seems to be a good intro to transcendentalism. My honors sophomores started reading it yesterday (after a nature walk) and several commented to me about how much they liked it.
This play about Thoreau's life is a million times more enjoyable than actually reading Thoreau's masterpiece Walden. Here we get to see the greatness of the man (and truly he was great) without being subjected by his unbelievably boring writing.
I was able to finish this book easily in one sitting and it was a nice change of pace from the longer, heavier novels I've been reading to date. I'll call it a palate-cleanser. The play is simply written, easily accessible, and probably more appropriate for younger readers (it seems most read this while in high school); However, I certainly believe that it should be revisited from time to time just to refresh our jaded, 21st century prospectives. The play included humor and quick wit and made me...more
Dec 14, 2008
Mallory
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
high school students, thoreau fans, individualists, rand readers
Recommended to Mallory by:
Eve Balsam
Before I begin, I adore Thoreau and am therefore inherently biased about any works that surround his life or writings. This play obviously in concerned with the night he spent in jail after refusing to pay taxes (because the U.S. gov't was involved in the Mexican American War). It paints him as an individualist of the highest caliber and gives an overview of important life events. The dialogue is witty and will often make the reader laught out loud. However, the story plays out as history and ma...more
Now I want to direct it. What's a homeless director to do? I love the wit, the ideas, the interplay of time and memory, and the chance to learn a little about American history.
"you don't belong to anybody, sir. except yourself. least of all to me. watch out- or you'll run right into what you're running away from."
"if you call on me to pay for a rifle, sam, it's the same as asking me to fire it! you're making me as much a killer as the foot-soldier who crashes across the border into faraway mexico, charges into his neighbor's house, sets fire to it and kills his children!"
"that's why you didn't hear him. you missed the eloquence of his silence."
"sometimes the light get...more
"if you call on me to pay for a rifle, sam, it's the same as asking me to fire it! you're making me as much a killer as the foot-soldier who crashes across the border into faraway mexico, charges into his neighbor's house, sets fire to it and kills his children!"
"that's why you didn't hear him. you missed the eloquence of his silence."
"sometimes the light get...more
This play is about Thoreau's beliefs and how he got to his beliefs in his life. Thoreau is one of my favorite philosophers because of his stances on learning and on transcendentalism. This play talks about that and gives history about what happened. I think it's interesting to see where these philosophers are in their lives when they form these ideas and this play does a very good job of that.
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10. Januar, 03:57 Uhr