Opening of The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail

The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail

Analysis for Intro and Opening

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”

- Henry David Thoreau

Opening Quote

What central themes does it establish? 

Themes

What does it encourage the audience to reflect on?

Our Roles

What moral framework does it establish for play's the protagonist? 

Lessons

How does it connect to issues in our contemporary era?  

​​Links

​"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, erhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”

Open Ended

Consider the following quote: what might motivate the co-authors Lawrence and Lee to open their text with this quote from the play’s protagonist?

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” - Henry David Thoreau

The playwrights might begin their play with words that engage the audience by appealing to their shared humanity. By using terms like "companion" and "man," they highlight our common experiences. This appeals to the sense of collective camaraderie that arises when we confront and disable systems of power and conformity that seek to divide us.

The choice of words also encourages reflection on the inner "drummer" we all carry within ourselves. This inner rhythm guides us as we navigate our lives, especially when we face a sea of collective compliance in situations of injustice.

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Okechi's Response

What claims are established in the text?

Hot Takes

What evidence is offered in support of these claims within the text?

​​Reciepts

What original insight is offered to elaborate on the ideas presented in the claims?

​​Commentary

How do the claims and ideas presented in the text remain relevant?

Links

What does the scene look and feel like?

What details are literal and which are not?

Setting

Who all is in the scene, what character's POVs are framing this scene?

​​POVs

How does the plot fluctuate between reality and dreamscapes? What is the function of figurative elements?

​​Dream Sequence

What devices or strategies, literary or rhetorical, are used in the dialogue?

​​​​Literary Merit

Word Cloud

What are 1-2 words to characterize Thoreau so far?

Open Ended

What tone does Thoreau employ to reinforce his commentary on conformity?

Write in complete sentences and provide direct quotation embedded into your response to support your claims.