Close reading: Civil Disobedience



Close reading: Civil DisobedienceContent of Thoreau’s essay:Outline (mark) the structure of the argument (see handout: classical form of argument). State what the major proposition of the argument is. Use an "is"/"ought" form (in this case, you may want to use “was/should have”)Mark and paraphrase the minor propositions used in each argument to prove the thesis.Explain the meaning Thoreau intended in the paragraph beginning: ‘All men recognize…” on p.942MethodMark and label the appeals used (including appeals to empathy).Mark and label any logical fallacies you see in his argument.If you think the fallacy is used deliberately to mislead the audience, say so.Mark and label any rhetorical strategies used What is the intended effect of Thoreau’s continued use of repetition?Give two examples, and explain their effectWhat is the intended effect of the allusions Thoreau uses?Give two examples and explain their effectDiction and PersonaDoes the Thoreau present a Persona that seems authoritative? That is, do you believe he knows what he is talking about?If yes, what techniques (rhetorical strategies) does he use that help create the sense of authority? If no, what techniques does the author use that prevent the creation of a sense of authority?Tone and Level of Language What is the tone of the essay? (If you think it shifts -goes from one tone to another, for example from humorous to angry-, explain where & how it changes) Identify & give examples of the rhetorical strategies Thoreau uses to create it.What level of language does Thoreau use? (See persuasive ppt, slide 9)Give examples of words/phrases that help establish it.Why might Thoreau have chosen this level of language to accomplish his/her purpose?Evaluation of SuccessAre YOU convinced by the writer’s argument?If you were, what elements (as identified in this exercise) were effective in convincing you?If you were not, what elements (as identified in this exercise) prevented the argument from convincing you?Do you think Thoreau’s intended audience would be convinced?If you were, what elements (as identified in this exercise) were effective in convincing them?If you were not, what elements (as identified in this exercise) prevented the argument from convincing them?Close reading: Civil DisobedienceContent of Thoreau’s essay:Outline (mark) the structure of the argument (see handout: classical form of argument). State what the major proposition of the argument is. Use an "is"/"ought" form (in this case, you may want to use “was/should have”)Mark and paraphrase the minor propositions used in each argument to prove the thesis.Explain the meaning Thoreau intended in the paragraph beginning: ‘All men recognize…” on p.942MethodMark and label the appeals used (including appeals to empathy).Mark and label any logical fallacies you see in his argument.If you think the fallacy is used deliberately to mislead the audience, say so.Mark and label any rhetorical strategies used What is the intended effect of Thoreau’s continued use of repetition?Give two examples, and explain their effectWhat is the intended effect of the allusions Thoreau uses?Give two examples and explain their effectDiction and PersonaDoes the Thoreau present a Persona that seems authoritative? That is, do you believe he knows what he is talking about?If yes, what techniques (rhetorical strategies) does he use that help create the sense of authority? If no, what techniques does the author use that prevent the creation of a sense of authority?Tone and Level of Language What is the tone of the essay? (If you think it shifts -goes from one tone to another, for example from humorous to angry-, explain where & how it changes) Identify & give examples of the rhetorical strategies Thoreau uses to create it.What level of language does Thoreau use? (See persuasive ppt, slide 9)Give examples of words/phrases that help establish it.Why might Thoreau have chosen this level of language to accomplish his/her purpose?Evaluation of SuccessAre YOU convinced by the writer’s argument?If you were, what elements (as identified in this exercise) were effective in convincing you?If you were not, what elements (as identified in this exercise) prevented the argument from convincing you?Do you think Thoreau’s intended audience would be convinced?If you were, what elements (as identified in this exercise) were effective in convincing them?If you were not, what elements (as identified in this exercise) prevented the argument from convincing them?Close reading: Civil DisobedienceContent of Thoreau’s essay:Outline (mark) the structure of the argument (see handout: classical form of argument). State what the major proposition of the argument is. Use an "is"/"ought" form (in this case, you may want to use “was/should have”)Mark and paraphrase the minor propositions used in each argument to prove the thesis.Explain the meaning Thoreau intended in the paragraph beginning: ‘All men recognize…” on p.942MethodMark and label the appeals used (including appeals to empathy).Mark and label any logical fallacies you see in his argument.If you think the fallacy is used deliberately to mislead the audience, say so.Mark and label any rhetorical strategies usedDiction and PersonaWhat is the intended effect of Thoreau’s continued use of repetition?Give two examples, and explain their effectWhat is the intended effect of the allusions Thoreau uses?Give two examples and explain their effectTone and Level of Language What is the tone of the essay? (If you think it shifts -goes from one tone to another, for example from humorous to angry-, explain where & how it changes) Identify & give examples of the rhetorical strategies Thoreau uses to create it.What level of language does Thoreau use? (See persuasive ppt, slide 9)Give examples of words/phrases that help establish it.Why might Thoreau have chosen this level of language to accomplish his/her purpose?Evaluation of SuccessAre YOU convinced by the writer’s argument?If you were, what elements (as identified in this exercise) were effective in convincing you?If you were not, what elements (as identified in this exercise) prevented the argument from convincing you?Do you think Thoreau’s intended audience would be convinced?If you were, what elements (as identified in this exercise) were effective in convincing them?If you were not, what elements (as identified in this exercise) prevented the argument from convincing them? ................
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