"The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail" is a play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee that explores the life of American transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau. The story is set in 1846 and focuses on Thoreau's imprisonment for refusing to pay a poll tax as a protest against the Mexican-American War and slavery. The play highlights themes of civil disobedience, individual conscience, and the importance of standing up against unjust laws. Through Thoreau's interactions with other characters, it illustrates his philosophical beliefs and the impact of his actions on society and personal freedom.