Resolve And Determination For Freedom The Townspeople example essay topic

Throughout known history the system of democracy seems to be the most just, the most logical and the fairest of all ruling systems. Its ability to adjust to changing times is only one reason for its perseverance. In John Steinbeck's The Moon is Down, this durability is displayed through the townspeople led by Mayor Orden, under the oppressive heels of their conquerors. One of the most obvious examples of democracy's endurance is the resistance displayed by the townspeople against their invaders. The oppression and invasion of the conquerors arouse, instead of crush, the desire in the defeated for freedom. These people, who have lived with the idea of a free rule of democracy, refuse to be chained down under the oppressive rule of the conquerors.

It is for this reason that they strike back at their invaders. As said by Mayor Orden to Colonel Lanser of the aggressors", 'The people don't like to be conquered, sir, and so they will not be. Free men cannot start a war, but once it is started, they can fight on in defeat. Herd men, followers of a leader, cannot do that, and so it is always the herd men who win battles and the free men who win wars. ' " [pp. 185-186] Thus, it is because of their freedom that people believing in the free rule of democracy do not let down and die when conquered, do not accept their being robbed of their rights, and fight against what is unjustly done to them. The townspeople fight on again, perhaps with even more resolve, after the execution of Alex Morden, instead of their spirits being crushed, as was the intent. The entire purpose of Alex Morden's public execution was to dissuade potential upstarts, but the result was the exact opposite of what was desired.

The public display only empowered the townspeople's resolve to fight back. To put it in Mayor Orden's words", 'Our people are invaded, but I don't think they " re conquered. ' " [p 139] Consequently, these people refuse to be put down, and, when faced with situations like Alex's death, are not deterred but continue on with strengthened resolve. While resistance is one aspect of democracy's endurance, determination is another powerful ability it has, as it is shown in the Anders boys' escape to Britain for help. Because of their overwhelming desire for freedom, the townspeople were willing to, and did, try anything possible to rebel against their invaders. The effects of this particular determination aided the people in covertly fighting back against their oppressors. Determination is therefore a powerful asset of democracy.

To follow the invader's pattern of executing townspeople to desist their rebellion, Mayor Orden was taken hostage, his life used to barter for the end of the townspeople's resistance. While Alex Morden's death was in the name of "justice", the purpose of Mayor Orden's execution was their way of systematic strategy. Again, his death would only hearten the townspeople, urging them to fight on. The Mayor would die for their cause; to stop then would be foolish, dishonourable and widely ungrateful for all the sacrifices made. To quote the Mayor's simple but powerful statement to Colonel Lanser: " 'I have no choice of living or dying, you see, sir, but-I do have a choice of how I do it. If I tell them not to fight, they will be sorry, but they will fight.

If I tell them to fight, they will be glad, and I who am not a very brave man will have made them a little braver. ' " [p 185] Therefore, the purpose of the Mayor's death, which was to deter resistance, would fail, because of the resolve and determination for freedom the townspeople kept in their hearts. In addition to all the topics explored, the most notable reasons for democracy's endurance is leadership. In democracy, the position of leader changes as the need changes, and when one single leader has served his / her purpose, the title switches hands as often as necessary. It is because of this that democracy is so near impossible to take down: as long as there are people, there are leaders. As Doctor Winter stated", 'They think that just because they have only one head, we are all like that. They know that ten heads lopped off will destroy them, but we are a free people; we have as many heads as we have people, and in a time of need leaders pop up among us like mushrooms. ' " [p 175] The adaptability of democracy is one of the key factors for its durability, perhaps even the number one reason.

Resilience, determination, adaptability and resistance are four very convincing reasons displayed in The Moon is Down of democracy's perseverance. Thus, J. Steinbeck's The Moon is Down is an excellent portrayal of the durability of democracy. Evidence, though, of its endurance can not only be seen in novels, but in everyday life as well, which proves its effectiveness and capacity to endure any situation.