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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Thoreau describe the attack made to free Burns?

2. Why was Thoreau so unimpressed with the governor of his state?

3. What holiday did Thoreau give 'Slavery in Massachusetts' on?

4. What does Thoreau say government accomplishes in 'Civil Disobedience'?

5. What were Abolitionists against?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Thoreau suggest men should withdraw their support of an unjust government?

2. Who did Thoreau say the government saw as their authority, and how did he feel about this?

3. How did Thoreau end 'Slavery in Massachusetts'?

4. What did Thoreau say was ironic about the day he presented his speech, 'Slavery in Massachusetts'?

5. What happened to Thoreau when he withdrew his support from the unjust government?

6. How did Thoreau say decisions in America should be made?

7. How did Thoreau begin 'Civil Disobedience'?

8. How did Thoreau feel about the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

9. How did Thoreau feel about the attack that took place on the Boston Courthouse?

10. What did Thoreau say about laws in 'Slavery in Massachusetts'?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Slavery was a very central theme in a number of these essays. How did this theme affect the tone of the essays, and how did slavery affect Thoreau in his life?

Essay Topic 2

Who was John Brown, and how did this man affect Thoreau's life?

Essay Topic 3

How did Thoreau say men should go about choosing their professions, and what support did he give for these ideas?

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