Collections 3: Voices of Protest
Sr. Comp and Lit
Mr. Geis
Thomas Paine: “Civil Disobedience” Essay
Directions: On your own paper, answer the following questions in complete sentences. Use quotes (cited text
references) to prove your beliefs.
1. Lines 1-15:
2. Lines 18-28:
3. Lines 29-34:
4. Lines 60-74:
5. Lines 60-74:
6. Lines 88-96:
7. Lines 97-105:
8. Lines 113-117:
9. Lines 154-161:
10. Lines 162-178:
11. Lines 179-189:
12. Lines 190-197:
13 Lines 86-87:
14 Example:
15. Example:
Explain Thoreau’s reason for “less government”.
Explain why a “majority rule” cannot be based on “justice”.
Explain Thoreau’s point concerning “conscience”.
Explain the argument that government turns men into “machines”.
Explain the difference between a person serving the state with their head vs their conscience.
According to Thoreau, when is it ok to “break the law”.
According to Thoreau, what is our response to the quote, “recognize me”.
According to Thoreau, how does one get rid of slavery?
Explain what Thoreau thought about his jail cell and treatment.
Explain why Thoreau lost his respect for the government.
What does Thoreau mean when he states, “Let us see who is the strongest”.
Explain the quote, If a plant cannot live according to its nature, it dies…..and so a man.
Explain why a “government” attacks famous people mentioned in these lines.
Give an example where you would disobey the government and explain why.
Explain how Thoreau could be more free” in jail” that his neighbors who are “out of jail”
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Henry Thoreau “Civil Disobedience”
Literary Terms / Vocabulary
Mr. Geis
1. Public advocacy – seeks to influence the opinion or attitude of the public about changing the government.
2. Elements of an Argument
Claim
Reasoning
Evidence
3. Validity of a premise (opinion)
Are their exceptions to the premise?
Must offer proof to support the premise……..Blanket statements are not valid without proof.
Evaluate the relationship between evidence and conclusion.
Is the argument sound?
4. Paradox:
a statement that seems to contradict itself but suggests an important truth.
5. Can Civil Disobedience bring about positive changes?
6. Non-sequitur????