Suggestions for Writing

1. “There are nine hundred and ninety-nine patrons of virtue to one virtuous man,” states Thoreau (para. 10). Do you agree? Can you think of a “virtuous man” in American public life today? Write an essay about someone you regard as a virtuous man or woman according to Thoreau’s characterization of such a person. Refer specifically to the text of Thoreau’s essay.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Suggestions for Writing: “There are nine hundred and ninety-nine patrons of virtue to one virtuous man,” states Thoreau (para. 10). Do you agree? Can you think of a “virtuous man” in American public life today? Write an essay about someone you regard as a virtuous man or woman according to Thoreau’s characterization of such a person. Refer specifically to the text of Thoreau’s essay.
2. Compare and contrast Thoreau’s “On the Duty of Civil Disobedience” with Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” (p. 280) by focusing on one of the following: purpose, definition of a just law, or figurative language.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Suggestions for Writing: Compare and contrast Thoreau’s “On the Duty of Civil Disobedience” with Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” (p. 280) by focusing on one of the following: purpose, definition of a just law, or figurative language.
3. Thoreau writes, “We love eloquence for its own sake, and not for any truth which it may utter, or any heroism it may inspire” (para. 44). Do you believe that is true? Defend, challenge, or qualify the accuracy of that statement as it applies to contemporary society. Use examples of public voices from such institutions as the schools, government, religion, industry, or finance to support your position.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Suggestions for Writing: Thoreau writes, “We love eloquence for its own sake, and not for any truth which it may utter, or any heroism it may inspire” (para. 44). Do you believe that is true? Defend, challenge, or qualify the accuracy of that statement as it applies to contemporary society. Use examples of public voices from such institutions as the schools, government, religion, industry, or finance to support your position.
4. Thoreau says, “No man with a genius for legislation has appeared in America. They are rare in the history of the world. There are orators, politicians, and eloquent men, by the thousand; but the speaker has not opened his mouth to speak, who is capable of settling the much-vexed questions of the day” (para. 44). Surely there are many who would disagree. Write an essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies Thoreau’s statement as it applies to his time or our own.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Suggestions for Writing: Thoreau says, “No man with a genius for legislation has appeared in America. They are rare in the history of the world. There are orators, politicians, and eloquent men, by the thousand; but the speaker has not opened his mouth to speak, who is capable of settling the much-vexed questions of the day” (para. 44). Surely there are many who would disagree. Write an essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies Thoreau’s statement as it applies to his time or our own.
5. Think of a contemporary issue that would justify the kind of civil disobedience that Thoreau discusses. Write a letter to your local newspaper making the case for civil disobedience in protest of what you regard as injustice in our society. Be sure to explain the gravity of the situation and the justification for your recommended actions.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Suggestions for Writing: Think of a contemporary issue that would justify the kind of civil disobedience that Thoreau discusses. Write a letter to your local newspaper making the case for civil disobedience in protest of what you regard as injustice in our society. Be sure to explain the gravity of the situation and the justification for your recommended actions.
6. Think of a contemporary issue that some people in our society regard as justification for civil disobedience. Write an editorial piece that explains why civil disobedience would be wrong and offers alternative solutions.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 13 - On the Duty of Civil Disobedience - Suggestions for Writing: Think of a contemporary issue that some people in our society regard as justification for civil disobedience. Write an editorial piece that explains why civil disobedience would be wrong and offers alternative solutions.