AnswersLanguage Arts 11Henry David Thoreau - "Civil Disobedience"

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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 wanted to expose fraud in the government.
B
He supported the government’s position.
C
He disagreed with the government’s actions.
D
He desired to learn more about the government.
2
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Based on Thoreau’s beliefs and "Civil Disobedience," he most likely decided not to pay poll tax because

A
he wanted to experience prison.
B
he disagreed with the idea of it.
C
he could not afford to pay taxes.
D
he did not understand the law.
3

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

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

What is Thoreau’s first thought upon being imprisoned in "Civil Disobedience"?

A
He wonders why he was put behind bars.
B
He wishes to get out of prison as soon as possible.
C
He considers the prison a foolish institution.
D
He is concerned about how long he will be there.
5

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

A
He uses the example of his case as a way to introduce his condemnation of the court.
B
He focuses entirely on his experiences while being imprisoned.
C
He moves from a consideration of his surroundings to an evaluation of the state as a whole.
D
He develops a critique of his jail cell into a critique of the entire prison system and justice department.
6

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

A
wished to be completely separate from society and those around him.
B
was unwilling to follow any law created by the government.
C
would have liked to create his own government, which would not require taxes.
D
believed following his conscience was more important than following the law.
7

In "Civil Disobedience," what is Thoreau’s last thought about the state before he loses respect for it?

A
He finds the state’s industrious locking of the cell door amusing.
B
He finds the state unforgivably timid.
C
He thinks the state can’t tell its friends from its enemies.
D
He thinks the state is half-witted.
8

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 hardened his resolve to assert his rights.
B
It would have encouraged him to engage in other crimes.
C
It would have made him doubt himself.
D
It would have caused him to pay the poll tax.
9

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

A
Tax evasion was one of the more grave crimes one could commit.
B
Thoreau deserved to lose his freedom.
C
They expected Thoreau to be released quickly.
D
Tax evasion was not a serious offense.
10

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

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

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