Henry David Thoreau’s essay, “Resistance to Civil Government” describes his beliefs on society and how a person's initial belief is the right one DOUBLE CHECK THIS. Thoreau's essay contains crucial rhetorical devices such as polysyndetons, rhetorical questions, and anaphoras, that help create a well-developed essay that clearly conveys Thoreau's message of individualism and only working to benefit the government.
(Indent)One of the rhetorical devices that Thoreau uses is polysyndeton, this slows the reader's pace, and allows them to fully understand the information and emphasize the importance of the message. For example, "If the injustice has a spring, or a pulley, or a rope, or a crank, exclusively for itself,". Thoreau's quote has many …show more content…
Thoreau uses this to urge the reader to think deeper about society, yet broaden their perspective. The reader may be closed minded, thus Thoreau’s questions lead to contemplation of whether or not the reader should change their view on life. For example, Thoreau’s asks, “One would think, that a deliberate and practical denial of its authority was the only offense never contemplated by government; else, why has it not assigned its definite, its suitable and proportionate, penalty?” Thoreau carries on about the State and the power it has over people, he does not directly answer the question. Also, the questions are structured differently, at least lengthwise, which may represent a want to change society and in how people think. For instance, Thoreau believes that a person’s first thought is the best choice for them, and that they should not have complete faith in the government. Thoreau questions the government, or at least aspects of how the government rules. Because the government has such an influence, Thoreau asks the audience questions about society and life.
(Indent)One of the rhetorical devices that Thoreau uses is polysyndeton, this slows the reader's pace, and allows them to fully understand the information and emphasize the importance of the message. For example, "If the injustice has a spring, or a pulley, or a rope, or a crank, exclusively for itself,". Thoreau's quote has many …show more content…
Thoreau uses this to urge the reader to think deeper about society, yet broaden their perspective. The reader may be closed minded, thus Thoreau’s questions lead to contemplation of whether or not the reader should change their view on life. For example, Thoreau’s asks, “One would think, that a deliberate and practical denial of its authority was the only offense never contemplated by government; else, why has it not assigned its definite, its suitable and proportionate, penalty?” Thoreau carries on about the State and the power it has over people, he does not directly answer the question. Also, the questions are structured differently, at least lengthwise, which may represent a want to change society and in how people think. For instance, Thoreau believes that a person’s first thought is the best choice for them, and that they should not have complete faith in the government. Thoreau questions the government, or at least aspects of how the government rules. Because the government has such an influence, Thoreau asks the audience questions about society and life.