Notes from Underground

Merriam-Webster defines civil disobedience as “refusal to obey governmental demands or commands especially as a nonviolent and usually collective means of forcing concessions from the government.” While this definition may have slightly changed from Henry David Thoreau’s coined term in the mid 1800s, the idea of peaceful protest is still central. The people have a right to protest as stated in the first amendment to the Constitution, so why does the term civil disobedience have a negative…

On April 12, 1963, eight clergymen released a letter addressing the recent events in Birmingham, Alabama concerning the civil rights movement. They first acknowledge the positive, yet slow steps being taken by citizens through the court system. This is followed by them discouraging citizens participation in recent demonstrations “directed and led in part by outsiders” condemning them as “unwise and untimely.” The letter also expressed their shared belief that all racial issues in their city…

On April 16th, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr composed a letter to eight clergymen in order to defend himself and answer to the criticism presented from said clergymen. In Martin Luther King Jr’s letter from Birmingham City Jail, he argues why the use of direct action, such as marches and sit-ins, are justified. He begins to discuss facts that injustices are still present. Shortly after that he details one of the many causes of direct action; due to a lack of negotiation. The author then talks of…

On May, 19, 1963 the “New York Post Sunday Magazine” published Martin Luther King, Jr.’s letter “My fellow clergymen”. It addresses Clergymen who were upset with Dr. King and criticized him. King was put into jail for protesting for Negro’s rights. King was disappointed in the white moderates, not so much the members of the KKK or white council. Throughout the paper King discusses how the protesters are not causing tension but merely bringing it to the surface. How not all Negroes are…

of African Americans. Dr. King’s arrest took place in 1963 while leading a line of demonstrators in Birmingham, Alabama. From his jail cell Dr. King eloquently writes a timeless piece of American rhetoric that will be heard for centuries to come. Dr. King read a paper in which white clergymen were speaking out on the black movement, asking the black demonstrators “to withdraw from demonstrations (Wright, Barnett. Par. 4).” Dr. King felt persuasion by the request of his long-time desperation that…

I’m going to tiptoe around there,” I said, pointing to a spot where the trees were thick enough to hide me from view. “I’ll find out what we’re up against and figure out where the entrance to the castle is. Then, after our initial assault, I’ll run inside.” “Got it,” Tinlef said. Emma sighed. “Sounds good, but what if your plan doesn’t work?” “It will. Tinlef…

One of the allegorical details that can be interpreted is the literal and figurative implication of Faith. As Goodman Brown commences his journey, his longing desire to meet the Devil hints at a slight shift in his belief. Abandoning his wife, Brown shows a sign of negligence. The Devil questions Brown for his delay to which he responds, “Faith kept me back awhile” (Hawthorne 2). The “faith” here symbolizes both Goodman Brown’s wife, Faith, as well as his religious belief. In a literal sense,…

It was seven miles to the dock and the packet steamer, the St. Ange. After about a mile Father DeSmet broke the silence, “Christian, did the superior tell you to come back to us?” “No.” “He said it to me.” “Did you have plans otherwise?” Father DeSmet creased his lower lip ever so slightly as he replied, “No, not exactly…It’s only that, for many years I have hoped, even prayed, that I might die in the missions.” Father Hoecken’s eyes serenely appraised his friend. Father DeSmet never noticed,…

with perfectly cut grass and a strong iron fence. This house belonged to the Fosters, some of the main characters in the story. The jailhouse and the gallows were new in the town of Treegap. The gallows were shaped like an upside down L and not far from the jailhouse. When I…

“..we must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood.” He want men to rise together with respect and kindness avoiding the racism and judgement. This type of power will be armed from whoever. When people come together to amend a message, it’s kinda impossible to rip them apart. He wants all to come together to make a…