The Moon is Down :: essays research papers

Throughout know history the system of democracy seems to be the most just, the most crystalline and the fairest of all ruling systems. Its ability to adjust to changing times is but one fence for its perseverance. In John Steinbecks The Moon is Down, this intensity is displayed through the township led by mayor Orden, under the tyrannous heels of their conquerors.One of the most obvious examples of democracys endurance is the subway displayed by the townspeople against their invaders. The oppression and invasion of the conquerors arouse, instead of crush, the desire in the defeated for foresweardom. These people, who have lived with the idea of a destitute rule of democracy, avert 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 dont the like to be conquered, sir, and so they pull up stakes not be. Free men cannot start a war, but erstwhile 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 collapse when conquered, do not accept their being robbed of their rights, and fight against what is unjustly make 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 pop the question of Alex Mordens public execution was to dissuade potential upstarts, but the vector sum was the exact opposite of what was desired. The public display only empowered the townspeoples resolve to fight back. To put it in Mayor Ordens words, Our people are invaded, but I dont recollect theyre conquered. p 139 Consequently, these people refuse to be put down, and, wh en faced with situations like Alexs death, are not deterred but continue on with alter resolve.While resistance is one aspect of democracys endurance, object is another powerful ability it has, as it is shown in the Anders boys escape to Britain for help. Because of their kindle desire for freedom, the townspeople were willing to, and did, try anything possible to rebel against their invaders.