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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. What was attacked when Anthony Burns was in custody?

2. What did Thoreau say reflected the general feeling in the country about slavery?

3. What does Thoreau say is the greatest hindrance on society in 'Civil Disobedience'?

4. What kind of government does Thoreau describe in 'Civil Disobedience'?

5. What did Thoreau describe as very clean in 'Civil Disobedience'?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Thoreau begin 'Civil Disobedience'?

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

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

4. What did Thoreau say government got involved in, and what did he think was the result of this?

5. How did Thoreau say American soldiers were viewed?

6. What was the main difference Thoreau pointed out between the cities and the country areas in 'Slavery in Massachusetts'?

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

8. What did Thoreau say gave the government their power, and what did Thoreau suggest men should do in response to this?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What was the main message of 'Life Without Principle', and how did Thoreau go about presenting this message?

Essay Topic 2

What was the significance of the title of the first essay, and what role did it play in the meaning of the essay?

Essay Topic 3

What role does symbolism play in this book and where does it appear? How was the feeling of the essays altered by the presence of these symbols?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 613 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample