Question

Read the following excerpt from “resinstance to civil government” in which Thoreau argues that a person should disobey the government when its laws go against his or her conscience

I have never declined paying the highway tax, because I am desirous of being a good neighbor as I am of being a bad subject; and as for supporting schools, I am doing my part to educate my fellow countrymen now. It is for no particular item in the tax bill that I refuse to pay it. I simply wish to refuse allegiance to the state, to withdraw and stand aloof from it effectually. I do not care to trace the course of my dollar, if I could, till it buys a man or a musket to shoot one with, - the dollar is innocent, - but I am concerned to trace the effects of my allegiance. In fact I quietly declare war with the state, after my fashion, though I will still make what use and get what advantage of her I can, as is usual in such cases

How does this excerpt best support Thoreau’s argument?

A) it persuades readers with ethos because he has followed through on his words
B) it takes parallelism to highlight the urgency of the matter and makes his argument more persuasive
C) it establishes logos by explaining the ways that he has already practice civil disobedience
D) it summarizes his overall claim and ends with a strong appeal to pathos.

Answer 1

Answer: (A) it persuades readers with ethos because he has followed through on his words

Explanation: I got the answer right on the final

Answer 2

The correct answer is option A ("It persuades readers with ethos because he has followed through on his words").

To recognize the difference between these different kinds of approaches to persuasion, you have to identify the connotations of the language used, and whether it appeals to logic (logos), emotions (pathos), or ethics (ethos).

The clear center of this excerpt is Thoreau's own attitude. He's using his own questioning of laws and his response towards them as a way of leading by example. He's attempting to convince us to take his side by displaying his own integrity and virtue of character, which indicates an appeal to ethos.

Hope this helps!