Quote by Henry David Thoreau
Visit the Navy-Yard, and behold a marine, such a man as an American government can make, or such as it can make a man with its black arts -- a mere shadow and reminiscence of humanity, a man laid out alive and standing, and already, as one may say, buried under arms with funeral accompaniments.
Summary
In this quote, the speaker invites the reader to visit a naval shipyard and observe a marine, a product of the American government and its manipulative tactics. The marine, portrayed as a lifeless figure, represents a dehumanized individual, transformed into a mere shadow and fragmented memory of his former self. The reference to being "buried under arms with funeral accompaniments" signifies the military's absolute control over the marine's existence, illustrating the loss of personal agency and autonomy. Overall, the quote critiques the dehumanizing consequences of governmental power in creating soldiers.
Topics
Military
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