Questions

1. In the opening six paragraphs, how does Henry David Thoreau characterize the government? How does he lead to his final statement, “Such a government is losing its power and respectability as surely as water runs out of a leaky vessel, and is held by one that can contain it” (par. 6)?

   Question

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   Questions: - In the opening six paragraphs, how does Henry David Thoreau characterize the government? How does he lead to his final statement, “Such a government is losing its power and respectability as surely as water runs out of a leaky vessel, and is held by one that can contain it” (par. 6)?
2. Why does Thoreau assert that hanging the men, including Brown, for their part in the raid was “the greatest compliment which this country could pay them” (par. 7)?

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   Questions: - Why does Thoreau assert that hanging the men, including Brown, for their part in the raid was “the greatest compliment which this country could pay them” (par. 7)?
3. What point is Thoreau trying to make when he states, “I speak for the slave when I say, that I prefer the philanthropy of Captain Brown to that philanthropy which neither shoots me nor liberates me” (par. 9)?

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   Questions: - What point is Thoreau trying to make when he states, “I speak for the slave when I say, that I prefer the philanthropy of Captain Brown to that philanthropy which neither shoots me nor liberates me” (par. 9)?
4. Thoreau makes extensive references to the New Testament in this speech. How would these references likely appeal to the audience of his time?

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   Questions: - Thoreau makes extensive references to the New Testament in this speech. How would these references likely appeal to the audience of his time?
5. Identify three accusations that had been leveled at Brown. How does Thoreau respond to each? How effective is he in challenging each?

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   Questions: - Identify three accusations that had been leveled at Brown. How does Thoreau respond to each? How effective is he in challenging each?
6. What does Thoreau mean by this statement: “I am here to plead his cause with you. I plead not for his life, but for his character—his immortal life; and so it becomes your cause wholly, and is not his in the least” (par. 20)?

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   Questions: - What does Thoreau mean by this statement: “I am here to plead his cause with you. I plead not for his life, but for his character—his immortal life; and so it becomes your cause wholly, and is not his in the least” (par. 20)?
7. What is the reasoning that leads Thoreau to conclude that Brown’s execution was “necessary” (par. 21)?

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   Questions: - What is the reasoning that leads Thoreau to conclude that Brown’s execution was “necessary” (par. 21)?
8. What is the effect Thoreau achieves by quoting Brown’s own words so extensively in the last section of the speech?

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   Questions: - What is the effect Thoreau achieves by quoting Brown’s own words so extensively in the last section of the speech?