Questions on Rhetoric and Style

1. In the first paragraph, how does Thoreau use “antitheses” to describe his purpose in going to live in the woods?

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: In the first paragraph, how does Thoreau use “antitheses” to describe his purpose in going to live in the woods?
2. Paragraph 2 opens with a simile and continues its lengthy development with more similes and an extended metaphor. Identify these and explain their effect.

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Paragraph 2 opens with a simile and continues its lengthy development with more similes and an extended metaphor. Identify these and explain their effect.
3. Throughout the text, Thoreau uses repetition, particularly parallel structure. Identify three or four examples and analyze their effect. Try to find ones that illustrate different effects.

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Throughout the text, Thoreau uses repetition, particularly parallel structure. Identify three or four examples and analyze their effect. Try to find ones that illustrate different effects.
4. Thoreau opens paragraph 3 with a rhetorical question. How effectively does the rest of the paragraph answer it—or does he intend to “answer” the question?

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Thoreau opens paragraph 3 with a rhetorical question. How effectively does the rest of the paragraph answer it—or does he intend to “answer” the question?
5. What does Thoreau mean by the phrase “starved before we are hungry” in the second sentences of paragraph 3? What other examples of paradox do you find in this excerpt from Walden?

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: What does Thoreau mean by the phrase “starved before we are hungry” in the second sentences of paragraph 3? What other examples of paradox do you find in this excerpt from Walden?
6. Compare the probable rhetorical effect of paragraph 4 at the time it was written with its effect today.

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Compare the probable rhetorical effect of paragraph 4 at the time it was written with its effect today.
7. What is the purpose of the parable in paragraph 5? In telling this story, what assumptions does Thoreau make about his audience?

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: What is the purpose of the parable in paragraph 5? In telling this story, what assumptions does Thoreau make about his audience?
8. In paragraph 6, Thoreau sets forth a series of “if . . . then” statements to support his opening sentence. Explain the deductive logic in at least one of these statements, specifying the major and minor premises and conclusion. Note that the assumption may be unexpressed.

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: In paragraph 6, Thoreau sets forth a series of “if . . . then” statements to support his opening sentence. Explain the deductive logic in at least one of these statements, specifying the major and minor premises and conclusion. Note that the assumption may be unexpressed.
9. What is the meaning of the allusion to Ulysses in paragraph 7?

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: What is the meaning of the allusion to Ulysses in paragraph 7?
10. In what ways do the ideas Thoreau presents in paragraph 6 become the foundation for the beliefs he expresses in paragraph 7? For instance, how do the ideas explained in paragraph 6 lead to his exhortation, “If the engine whistles, let it whistle till it is hoarse for its pains”?

    Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: In what ways do the ideas Thoreau presents in paragraph 6 become the foundation for the beliefs he expresses in paragraph 7? For instance, how do the ideas explained in paragraph 6 lead to his exhortation, “If the engine whistles, let it whistle till it is hoarse for its pains”?
11. Sometimes, even the slightest stylistic feature can work effectively as a rhetorical strategy. What is the effect of the alliterative phrase “freshet and frost and fire” in paragraph 7?

    Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Sometimes, even the slightest stylistic feature can work effectively as a rhetorical strategy. What is the effect of the alliterative phrase “freshet and frost and fire” in paragraph 7?
12. In the concluding paragraph, Thoreau develops two metaphors regarding time and the intellect. What are they? What is their effect?

    Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: In the concluding paragraph, Thoreau develops two metaphors regarding time and the intellect. What are they? What is their effect?