Freedom and Slavery

Where it surfaces

• Herald of Freedom

  Central theme of the chapter, focusing on the abolitionist cause and the critique of slavery through Rogers' writings and the Princeton incident.

• Wendell Phillips Before the Concord Lyceum

  The chapter directly addresses the evils of slavery, the complicity of Church and State, and the courage needed to oppose it.

• On the Duty of Civil Disobedience

  Thoreau directly critiques the government for permitting slavery and calls for resistance to such oppression.

• Slavery in Massachusetts

  The central issue of the chapter: the enslavement of African Americans and the moral enslavement of Northern citizens who comply with unjust laws.

• Life Without Principle

  Thoreau questions the value of political freedom without moral freedom, and criticizes commerce that extends slavery.

• A Plea for Captain John Brown

  The entire speech centers on the fight for the liberation of slaves and the condemnation of the institution of slavery as a profound wrong.

• After the Death of John Brown

  John Brown's fight against slavery is the implicit context; the speech honors his sacrifice for freedom.

• The Last Days of John Brown

  The chapter directly addresses the institution of slavery and Brown's role in liberating slaves, both literally and symbolically, while critiquing the servile education tolerated under tyranny.

• Walking

  Thoreau emphasizes the liberty to live as superior to all laws, and critiques the constraints of civilization.

• IV: The Walls of Quebec

  Thoreau implies that the fortifications oppress the mind, and the Scottish settler's disappointment with British rule touches on themes of political freedom.