Question

which best describes the way that thoreau structured "resistance to civil government"? a. he uses logos to draw attention to this moral character and then pathos to provide examples of his behavior. b. he uses logos to present rational arguments and then ethos to demonstrate that he lives by his principles. c. he uses logos to show his credibility and then ethos to give readers a personal reason to support him. d. he uses logos to present factual, supported arguments and then pathos to stir up his readers' feelings on the subject.

Answer 1

he uses logos to appeal to his readers' common sense and then ethos to show what he practices what he argues.

Answer 2

In my opinion, the correct answer is B. He uses logos to present rational arguments and then ethos to demonstrate that he lives by his principles. First, he writes about the unjust governments that people should disobey, as it is better to pursue what's right than what's lawful. Then, he sets his own example: by refusing to pay the taxes, he protested against slavery. He even had to bear consequences, so he spent some time in prison. This is a combination of logos and ethos - first, he elaborates his argument and logically supports it, and then goes on to prove that it is morally right to act upon it.