Tell Me About Yourself
What two things was Thoreau opposed to?
Slavery and the Mexican American War
What purpose do the em dashes serve in the middle of paragraph 4?
They help to emphasize the short sentence, drawing attention to Wollstonecraft's intention to be about the ideas and not flowery language. It also sets a tone.
Wollstonecraft says that she will write in a way that is ________.
Honest, lucid, and reasoned.
Explain the line in paragraph two that uses the metaphor "It is a sort of wooden gun to the people themselves."
Answers should indicate that he uses this metaphor to criticize the government and voice his opinion that for many it is simply symbolic and not effective (as a wooden gun would not be effective).
The "evil" that Thoreau points to most likely refers to ________ and the "remedy" is to _______.
unjust laws / the remedy is to not follow unjust laws.
Wollstonecraft was born when and what was her education like?
She was born April 27, 1759 in London. Unlike her brother, she received no formal education but taught herself. She was an avid reader who was well versed in philosophy as well as works by writers such as Shakespeare.
How does Wollstonecraft tie the second paragraph to the first?
Explain the title - Vindication on the Rights of Woman.
Answer should relate to the idea that this work will be one that provides a reasonable, justified, and evidenced argument for women's equality.
The last line of paragraph 11 serves to ______
allude to historical figures in a way that appeals to his audience, for they would have admiration for the heroism of these law-breakers.
The speaker in the passage can best be described as a person who
Answers will vary. Should relate to the idea that he respects those who follow their conscience and vocalize / act on their beliefs.
How did Wollstonecraft contribute to the field of education and advocate for women's rights?
She started a girls' school with her sister and a friend. It was rather prestigious, but eventually closed. Wollstonecraft because an advocate for the rights of women and wrote many articles and books on the subject, most notably her work A Vindication on the Rights of Woman. Her work influenced many others, including Susan B. Anthony.
In her initial paragraph, Wollstonecraft uses irony to __________.
Answers show relate to the idea that she is trying to provide commentary on how women, though rational, have been treated as if they are lacking a sense of rationality and reason (only given to emotion).
Explain Wollstonecraft's extended metaphor that begins with "dropping glibly from the tongue."
In describing the government as a “machine," it is the author's purpose to depict the government as ____________
A complex tool created to serve its citizens. However, when it is not doing so, then there needs to be a "counter friction" to it.
What purpose does Thoreau's analogy of the "drowning man" serve?
Answers will vary. Response should indicate the idea that one must be willing to do what is right, "cost what it may." He makes the analogy with this and slavery.
What were some of the jobs Thoreau held and what losses did he suffer in his life?
Jobs could include - essayist, lecturer, pencil maker, philosopher, poet, translator
His brother died and the woman he proposed to called off the marriage.
Explain Wollstonecraft's views on societal ideas and emphasis on "elegance," "refinement," and "beauty."
Answers will vary. Should include reference to the idea that strength of mind and body are "sacrificed" to "libertine notions of beauty." Connection to "elegance inferior to virtue" should also be addressed.
Wollstonecraft points out faults with the state of education for women in order to ________.
Indicate that while there has been some progress, there is more that is needed. She provides support for this by stating women are still seen as "frivolous" and "ridiculed or pitied by the writers who endeavor by satire or instruction to improve them."
Which line best captures the main idea of the passage?
"Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it [a better government]."
In describing his time in prison, Thoreau discusses those he met and what he saw primarily to _____.
Answers should indicate he shows a bit of their humanity and gives an insight into a life that few (particularly himself) knew. It shows how his perspective changed. It also indicates to his audience that the experience was not a terrible one. This might assuage their fears, for if they were also engaging in "civil disobedience" they may find themselves in jail.
Though they lived at different times, how might you link Wollstonecraft and Thoreau given their writing?
Answers will vary.
What is Wollstonecraft's tone at the end of the excerpt? Provide evidence.
Her tone is caustic and mocking. Evidence will vary.
Provide text evidence.
Women need to have strength of body and mind, and equal education is a way to develop this.
The string of rhetorical questions in paragraph three - "Can there not be a government in which majorities do not virtually decide right and wrong, but conscience?...Must the citizen ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resign his conscience to the legislator? Why has every man a conscience, then?" serves to _________.
Show Thoreau's exasperation with the status quo and the inaction of each individual by presenting his assertions in the form of questions.
Explain how Thoreau qualifies his argument in the second to last paragraph.
Answers will vary. Should address that he is not opposed to paying his taxes if he is provided with a reason to do so. He will evaluate every year and make his decision. This strategy supports his promotion of the idea that individuals are able to judge for themselves the behavior of their government, using their own conscience as a guide.