9 November 2012

1. 9 November 2012 • What are the “tenets” or principles of Transcendentalism? Look in your notes if you need help. • What is the purpose of using transitions in your writing? • Create a sentence about Transcendentalism using a transition. What relationship does the transition serve in your sentence? (providing an example, showing contrast, additional information, etc.)

2. Henry David Thoreau1817-1862 • Advocated simple, mindful living and rejected a lifestyle dedicated in pursuit of wealth • Born and raised in Mass/attended Harvard • Viewed as an eccentric and a defiant nonconformist • Became a teacher, but resigned because he refused to physically punish his students • Conducted his famous experiment by living simply and frugally in a small cabin on the shores of Walden Pond

3. Civil Disobedience Page 382 • In these excerpts from “Civil Disobedience,” Thoreau argues that citizens must follow their conscience and fight government injustice in a peaceful manner. For example, he refuses to pay taxes that fund causes that he opposes– an action that lands him in jail but frees him spiritually. • Read this selection independently. Then on a separate sheet of paper, answer questions 1-8 on page 389.

4. In groups of 4-5… • Turn to page 392 and read: Background. • Select one member of the group to read aloud Gandhi’s speech. • As a group, answer questions 1 and 2. Then identify some elements of persuasion in the structure of his speech. Look for features such as use of facts, personal experience, explanation of theory, and call to action. • Was this speech effective in its persuasion? Why or why not?