Questions on Rhetoric and Style

1. Describe the tone Thoreau establishes in paragraph 2. How does it contribute to the rhetorical effect of the paragraph?

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Describe the tone Thoreau establishes in paragraph 2. How does it contribute to the rhetorical effect of the paragraph?
2. What is the effect of the metaphor about friction in paragraphs 8 and 18?

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: What is the effect of the metaphor about friction in paragraphs 8 and 18?
3. Thoreau develops many analogies to support his arguments (e.g., in paragraphs 8 and 9). Select three, and explain whether you find them convincing. How effectively does each one support the claim Thoreau is using it to support?

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Thoreau develops many analogies to support his arguments (e.g., in paragraphs 8 and 9). Select three, and explain whether you find them convincing. How effectively does each one support the claim Thoreau is using it to support?
4. One characteristic of Thoreau’s style is the use of aphorism. For example, in paragraph 4, he writes, “It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right.” Find other examples of Thoreau’s aphorisms. You might find some in paragraphs 9–10 and 20–22. What is the rhetorical effect of such statements?

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: One characteristic of Thoreau’s style is the use of aphorism. For example, in paragraph 4, he writes, “It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right.” Find other examples of Thoreau’s aphorisms. You might find some in paragraphs 9–10 and 20–22. What is the rhetorical effect of such statements?
5. How would you describe Thoreau’s tone in paragraph 12? How does it contribute to his position?

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: How would you describe Thoreau’s tone in paragraph 12? How does it contribute to his position?
6. Thoreau uses several rhetorical questions in the essay. Identify three, and explain how each one contributes to the paragraph in which it is found.

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Thoreau uses several rhetorical questions in the essay. Identify three, and explain how each one contributes to the paragraph in which it is found.
7. Which of the three classic rhetorical appeals dominates in paragraph 21, where Thoreau gives the government a human face? Defend your answer.

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Which of the three classic rhetorical appeals dominates in paragraph 21, where Thoreau gives the government a human face? Defend your answer.
8. Note how Thoreau qualifies his argument in paragraph 40. How does using this strategy serve his rhetorical purpose?

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Note how Thoreau qualifies his argument in paragraph 40. How does using this strategy serve his rhetorical purpose?