Two Treatises of Government · Chapter
I explained
Locke introduces his critique of Sir Robert Filmer's defense of absolute monarchy, arguing that Filmer's claim that no man is born free and that all government is absolute monarchy is a dangerous doctrine that would enslave mankind.
What happens
Locke introduces his critique of Sir Robert Filmer's defense of absolute monarchy, arguing that Filmer's claim that no man is born free and that all government is absolute monarchy is a dangerous doctrine that would enslave mankind. Locke asserts the natural liberty and equality of mankind, and he sets the stage for a detailed refutation of Filmer's arguments.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
The emotional and psychological peak occurs as the endnotes abruptly shift from Locke’s own argument to a dens…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Natural Rights and Liberty
Locke asserts the natural liberty and equality of mankind, directly opposing Filmer's claim that no man is born free.
- Critique of Patriarchalism and Divine Right
Locke begins his systematic critique of Filmer's patriarchal theory, which derives absolute monarchy from Adam's supposed sovereignty.
Characters to notice
- Sir Robert Filmer
Locke identifies Filmer as the chief proponent of the doctrine of absolute monarchy and divine right, whose work 'Patriarcha' he will examine.
- Adam
Filmer's system posits Adam as an absolute monarch, from whom all princes derive their power by divine right.
- Barclay
Mentioned as one of the writers who, along with Heyward and Blackwood, defended the rights of kings but admitted natural liberty and equality.
Key passages
“Slavery is so vile and miserable an estate of man, and so directly opposite to the generous temper and courage of our nation, that it is hardly to be conceived, that an Englishman, much less a gentleman, should plead for it.”
Locke expresses disbelief that any Englishman, especially a gentleman, would advocate for slavery, which he considers a degrading condition contrary to the national character.
Locke uses rhetorical force to condemn Filmer's defense of absolute power as a form of slavery.
“His system lies in a little compass, it is no more but this, 'That all government is absolute monarchy.' And the ground he builds on is this, 'That no man is born free.'”
Locke summarizes Filmer's entire political theory as the claim that all government is absolute monarchy, based on the premise that no one is born free.
Locke reduces Filmer's argument to its core, setting up his own refutation.
