AnswersELA11 ELA 11 Sem 1 26-27Evaluating a Text's Significance in History: Henry David Thoreau - "Civil Disobedience"

Henry David Thoreau - "Civil Disobedience" Answers

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Which would be the best way of describing the overall structure of Thoreau’s observations in "Civil Disobedience"?

A
He moves from a consideration of his surroundings to an evaluation of the state as a whole.
B
He develops a critique of his jail cell into a critique of the entire prison system and justice department.
C
He uses the example of his case as a way to introduce his condemnation of the court.
D
He focuses entirely on his experiences while being imprisoned.
2
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Considering "Civil Disobedience," which best describes one similarity between Thoreau and Martin Luther King, Jr.?

A
Both expressed complete faith that the government would change unfair laws.
B
Both felt that people have the moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.
C
Both were assassinated because of their ideas and influence.
D
Both felt that prison robbed them of their drive to persevere.
3

In "Civil Disobedience," what does Thoreau think about right after he wonders if he could have been of service to his community?

A
whether everyone in the town is half-witted and dull
B
the significance of the wall between himself and others
C
that imprisoning him would not solve the problem
D
that he is truly the only person in the town to pay a tax
4

What does "Civil Disobedience" suggest about the jailer’s opinion of Thoreau's arrest for tax evasion?

A
Tax evasion was not a serious offense.
B
They expected Thoreau to be released quickly.
C
Thoreau deserved to lose his freedom.
D
Tax evasion was one of the more grave crimes one could commit.
5

Based on Thoreau’s opinion about the Mexican-American War and slavery in the United States, why did he most likely refuse to pay the poll taxes, as described in "Civil Disobedience"?

A
He desired to learn more about the government.
B
He wanted to expose fraud in the government.
C
He supported the government’s position.
D
He disagreed with the government’s actions.
6

Based on Thoreau’s opinion about the Mexican-American War and slavery in the United States, why did he most likely refuse to pay the poll taxes, as described in "Civil Disobedience"?

A
He desired to learn more about the government.
B
He wanted to expose fraud in the government.
C
He supported the government’s position.
D
He disagreed with the government’s actions.
7

Based on his transcendental beliefs and "Civil Disobedience," it is most reasonable to assume that Thoreau

A
would have liked to create his own government, which would not require taxes.
B
was unwilling to follow any law created by the government.
C
believed following his conscience was more important than following the law.
D
wished to be completely separate from society and those around him.
8

In "Civil Disobedience," what is Thoreau’s view of the state at the end of the essay?

A
He thinks the state does not appreciate individual worth.
B
He finds the state guilty of gross misjudgment of his actions.
C
He feels sorry for the state for not acting in a sensible way.
D
He considers the state’s actions indicative of society’s unfairness.
9

Based on evidence of his personality in "Civil Disobedience," what effect would a longer jail stay most likely have had on Thoreau?

A
It would have made him doubt himself.
B
It would have encouraged him to engage in other crimes.
C
It would have hardened his resolve to assert his rights.
D
It would have caused him to pay the poll tax.
10

Considering "Civil Disobedience," why did both Thoreau and Martin Luther King, Jr. engage in acts of civil disobedience?

A
to take a stand against government taxation
B
to protest government policies they believed were unjust
C
to protest slavery and the Mexican-American War
D
to take a stand against unfair laws in the 1950s and ‘60s

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