Kateshia McAfee April 26, 2012 Civil Disobedience

Assignment 1. The essay begins with a paradox, "That government is best which governs the least." What does this paradox mean and how can it be true? Could this idea work in a complex society? It means the best government is one that more so supervises the society as opposed to micromanaging and being overpowering. It means the best governments allow their citizens to make their own choices without influencing or restricting every area of freedom. If people feel they have the ability to make their own decisions and be their own person they are less likely to rebel against whatever regime is in place. Honestly, probably not, there is a lot of silent tension is our society today and people have so many differing opinions today that a lack of strict government would result in utter chaos. 2. In paragraph 2, Thoreau uses a metaphor about a "wooden gun". What does he mean by this metaphor? That the government is there to appear intimidating but in truth world history there are police off officers. 3. After reading paragraph five, how can balance be created between the opinions of the majority and the minority? People in the majority can hold polls or surveys or hold a week day moment and then include the minorities opinion when everything can be discussed. 4. Explain the truth behind the following paradox, "I saw that, if there was a wall of stone between me and my townsmen, there was still a more difficult one to climb or break through, before they could be as free as I was." If there is a lack of communication between authorities and regular townsmen then there is still a large battle to overcome. 5. Explain the truth behind the following paradox, "I felt as if I alone of all my townsmen had paid my tax." He felt as though he was the only one who payed his taxes to the government in his community. 6. How were Thoreau's perceptions of his fellow citizen changed by his night in jail? At first he views them as below him and like they arent the same type of educated citizen that he is. Then he realizes that normal people go to jail. 7. How do Thoreau's fellow townspeople react to him when he is released from jail? What does this say about his neighbors? They just watch him go they dont go to any extreme lengths to say good bye or anything. 8. How does the final paragraph reflect Thoreau's central idea about the government? He feels that governments would be completely powerless without the

consent of the governed (citizens of the community) and sometimes that is not realized enough. 9. This essay has three major sections, describe the content of each. How does Thoreau's arguement unfold?-- This should be a paragraph explanation at minimum 10. Think back to the characteristics of Romanticism (review the ppt slide in the Romantic background if necessary), would you say that Thoreau's points in this essay are Romantic in nature? Specifically explain.