When looking at the audience Thoreau intended for his essay “Civil Disobedience,” it was primarily aimed at those who identified as abolitionists or as progressive thinkers who they leaned forward. This is true as he often said how slavery was an injustice to the human race as all humans should be treated equally, but during his lifetime the theme of one race being inferior to another was common. (Banion, 190) Additionally, the intended audience would experience the emotion of patriotism and hope as they hope to see a reborn American where everyone is treated with dignity. (Banion, 190) In addition to audience and emotional connection, the essay uses metaphors to compare the government to a machine (Banion, 190). The use of this metaphor, for example, is to show the reader that the government continues to move forward despite making a mistake. Thoreau wants the government to be more humane and to recognize its mistakes. The definition of classic “An art form regarded as representing an exemplary standard; traditional and long-standing in form or style. (Oxford Dictionary, Classic) Thoreau's essay “Civil Disobedience” is a classic as it actually has exemplary standards as through his life story and his work in the transcendentalism movement, he made the themes of the essay reflect on his thinking and has redefined what the