The Moon is Down :: essays research papers

Throughout known history the system of res frequenta seems to be the most just, the most logical and the fairest of all ruling systems. Its office to adjust to changing times is only adept reason for its perseverance. In John Steinbecks The Moon is Down, this dur talent is displayed through the townspeople light-emitting diode by Mayor Orden, under the oppressive heels of their conquerors.One of the most pellucid examples of democracys 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 independence. These people, who have lived with the opinion of a free rule of democracy, slump to be chained downcast 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 like to be conquered, sir, and so they will non be. Free c ustody cannot start a war, that once it is started, they can oppose on in defeat. Herd men, followers of a leader, cannot do that, and so it is forever 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 guide 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 murder of Alex Morden, instead of their strong drink being crushed, as was the intent. The entire purpose of Alex Mordens public execution was to dissuade potential upstarts, but the result 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 think theyre conquered. p 139 Consequently, these people refuse to be put down, and, whe n faced with situations like Alexs death, are not deterred but continue on with strengthened resolve.While resistance is one aspect of democracys 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 ordain to, and did, try anything possible to rebel against their invaders.