Questions for Discussion

1. In paragraph 1, what distinction does Henry David Thoreau make between the government and the people? Why does he begin the essay this way? Why does Thoreau not begin the essay with his stay in jail?

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions for Discussion: In paragraph 1, what distinction does Henry David Thoreau make between the government and the people? Why does he begin the essay this way? Why does Thoreau not begin the essay with his stay in jail?
2. Why does Thoreau refer to civil disobedience not merely as a right but as a duty?

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions for Discussion: Why does Thoreau refer to civil disobedience not merely as a right but as a duty?
3. What are the two government policies Thoreau most objects to? Explain his objection.

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions for Discussion: What are the two government policies Thoreau most objects to? Explain his objection.
4. Thoreau writes, “When the majority shall at length vote for the abolition of slavery, it will be because they are indifferent to slavery, or because there is but little slavery left to be abolished by their vote” (para. 11). What does this statement imply about the voting populace? Do you think that Thoreau is accurate in his characterization of the populace? Why or why not?

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions for Discussion: Thoreau writes, “When the majority shall at length vote for the abolition of slavery, it will be because they are indifferent to slavery, or because there is but little slavery left to be abolished by their vote” (para. 11). What does this statement imply about the voting populace? Do you think that Thoreau is accurate in his characterization of the populace? Why or why not?
5. In paragraph 20, Thoreau states that “any man more right than his neighbors constitutes a majority of one already.” What does he mean by this? How does this statement support his thesis?

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions for Discussion: In paragraph 20, Thoreau states that “any man more right than his neighbors constitutes a majority of one already.” What does he mean by this? How does this statement support his thesis?
6. In paragraph 23, Thoreau discusses the effects of wealth on character. Paraphrase that discussion. Do you agree with his analysis? Why or why not?

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions for Discussion: In paragraph 23, Thoreau discusses the effects of wealth on character. Paraphrase that discussion. Do you agree with his analysis? Why or why not?
7. What did Thoreau learn from his night in jail (paras. 26–35)? Explain using specific reference to the text.

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions for Discussion: What did Thoreau learn from his night in jail (paras. 26–35)? Explain using specific reference to the text.
8. In paragraph 36, Thoreau distinguishes among different types of taxes. Why? In the same paragraph he says, “I do not care to trace the course of my dollar, if I could, till it buys a man or a musket to shoot one with,—the dollar is innocent,—but I am concerned to trace the effects of my allegiance.” What might our dollars buy today that would cause such a reflection and response?

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions for Discussion: In paragraph 36, Thoreau distinguishes among different types of taxes. Why? In the same paragraph he says, “I do not care to trace the course of my dollar, if I could, till it buys a man or a musket to shoot one with,—the dollar is innocent,—but I am concerned to trace the effects of my allegiance.” What might our dollars buy today that would cause such a reflection and response?
9. Under the circumstances Thoreau describes, do you believe civil disobedience is a duty, as he says? What circumstances in our own society would justify civil disobedience? Explain how Thoreau’s essay speaks to our own time. Is the essay dated? Is it still relevant?

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions for Discussion: Under the circumstances Thoreau describes, do you believe civil disobedience is a duty, as he says? What circumstances in our own society would justify civil disobedience? Explain how Thoreau’s essay speaks to our own time. Is the essay dated? Is it still relevant?