Facts and History
What is our MAIN central idea?
The Relationship between the Government and the Individual
1. How was the metaphor of a "machine" used in part 1 par. 5?
2. How did the metaphor of a "machine" change in part 1 par. 8?
1. "Machine" (par. 5) = PEOPLE who use their bodies to serve the government (robots).
2. "Machine" (par. 8) = the GOVERNMENT is an unthinking machine.
What is the difference between a "patron of virtue" and a "virtuous man" (part 1, par. 10)?
1. Patron of virtue - someone who has beliefs/conscience but does not ACT.
2. Virtuous person - someone who ACTS on their beliefs.
"Civil Disobedience" was published a year after WHICH war?
The Mexican/American War
By using metaphor, what does Thoreau relate to "voting?" What does this metaphor teach us about what Thoreau thinks about voting? (Part 1, par. 11)
A Game!!
-Not serious.
-Voting only toys with the idea of addressing right and wrong without actually making change.
What is the difference between "immoral" and "unmoral" (part 1, par. 13)?
1. "Immoral" = going against what you know is right
2. "Unmoral" = when you have no morals at all
What is the "Revolution of '75" (part 1, par. 8)?
The American Revolution
What does Thoreau's metaphor of a "clog" (or clogging) refer to (part 2, par. 9)?
"A minority is powerless while it conforms to the majority; it is not even a minority then; but it is irresistible when it clogs by its whole weight" (part 2, par. 9).
- A minority group is powerful enough to stop the flow if government.
Define Thoreau's "action from principle" (part 2, par. 2). What two things must a person do to enact change?
"Action from principle--the perception and the performance of right--changes things..." (part 2, par. 2).
1. Perception - You must first KNOW what is RIGHT
2. Performance - Then you must ACT
In Thoreau's time, what were the two "sins" that the government was committing? Which two atrocities happened to make Thoreau write "Civil Disobedience"? (Hint: Part 1, par. 8)
1. Mexican/American War
2. Slavery
What does the metaphor of truth "trickling into [a] lake" refer to (part 3, par. 17)?
According to Thoreau, the Bible and the Constitution are not where knowledge stops. Instead, the people must continue their search for the "[pure] source of truth" (part 3, par. 17).
According to Thoreau, what makes a "free and enlightened State" (part 3, par. 19)?
"There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats [the people] accordingly" (part 3, par 19).
- The government must treat the individual with respect.
-The government must not act against the conscience of the people.