Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Second Treatise of Government, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Nature, War, and Civil Society
Consent of the Governed and the Role of Government
Power and Absolute Monarchies
The Dissolution of Government
Summary
Analysis
Locke addresses the reader directly and says he hopes this discourse on government will reinforce King William’s place on the throne. King William, Locke says, rules by consent of the people, and this is the only lawful government. Locke says he will not waste his time rehashing his complaints against Sir Robert Filmer, whose writing is full of “doubtful expressions” and “glib nonsense.” Locke claims any reasonable and intelligent man will have a difficult time understanding Filmer’s discourse, as it is inconsistent with any common sense.
Locke immediately mentions Sir Robert Filmer, whose book, Patriarcha, advocates for absolute monarchies and the divine right of kings. Locke clearly does not support Filmer’s hypothesis, and he is quick to call it “doubtful” and nonsensical. Locke’s support of King William—the King of England during Locke’s day—suggests Locke is not against all monarchs, just those who claim absolute power and do not rule by consent of the people.
Themes
Literary Devices
Locke knows he shouldn’t speak so harshly about Sir Robert Filmer, as he has no way to defend himself; however, there are many people reading his book and promoting his ideas, so Locke figures he is excused in criticizing a dead opponent. There is nothing more dangerous than espousing the wrong ideas about government, Locke says. If there is anyone interested in truth who wishes to refute Locke’s ideas, Locke is open to discussion, but he reminds them that complaining and fighting will not do any good.
Sir Robert Filmer’s (1588-1653) Patriarcha was published posthumously in 1680, and at the time Locke wrote his Two Treatise in 1689, Filmer was long dead; however, Filmer’s ideas about absolute monarchies were still very much espoused by English supporters of patriarchalism. Locke considers Filmer’s ideas a dangerous form of government which strips people of their natural right to freedom and equality.
Themes
