Name:_______________________________________________________ Pd.__________ Date:_____________________
Thoreau’s Walden. As you are reading the essay, jot down notes about passages that are particularly interesting
to you, look up words and allusions that are unfamiliar, etc.
1. Look at the first sentence of the chapter. What do you notice? What words are particularly noteworthy? What
is the tone of the sentence? What do you think about the word “accustomed” in particular? Why do you think
Thoreau uses the first person plural (“our” and “we”)? What effect does this have on you as a reader?
2. Read through the first paragraph aloud. How do the words of Thoreau’s essay sound to
you? Academic? Comfortable? Romantic? Beautiful? If you had to describe Thoreau’s use of language to someone
who had never read his work, what words would you use?
3. What, for you, is the most important word in this paragraph? _____________
4. Use a few different dictionaries and look up various definitions of your word. Write your favorite definition in
the space below?
5. Why is Thoreau’s use of this word so meaningful to you?
6. Look closely at the paragraph, beginning, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...” What is it
to live “deliberately”? What phrase in this paragraph is most powerful in clarifying Thoreau’s point for you?
7. Why does Thoreau insist that people need to simplify their lives? Is he a credible speaker on this topic? Explain.
Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience. As you are reading the essay, jot down notes about passages that are particularly
interesting to you, look up words and allusions that are unfamiliar, etc.
1. What is civil disobedience?
2. What are the two ideas of government that Thoreau opposes most?
3. Do you agree with Thoreau’s attitude about the government? Why or why not?
4. What would you be willing to go to prison for?