Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:
Paper Instructions:

Directions- You will write 3 essays that will be counted as one test grade for this unit.  For each writing prompt, you need to respond with a simple introduction, a thorough body, and a simple conclusion.  You must have a minimum of 3 paragraphs for each essay.  You must go beyond this minimum limit and submit essays that are more fully developed if you are working toward a very high grade.  The body of each essay must be supported with YOUR analysis and supported with specific quotes from the authors’ works.  Please refer to the handout under Unit Study Guides that discusses how to write a critical essay.  Follow the format and content specifications as explained.


1.  (40 pts.)  “Emerson developed a philosophy that Thoreau lived."  This statement is especially true of Thoreau's time at Walden Pond.

Your essay must reveal how Emerson's theories influenced Thoreau's actions while he was at Walden Pond.  You must use specific details from both Emerson and Thoreau.
Discuss at least three specific examples that prove the truth of the statement.  DO NOT DIVIDE YOUR PARAGRAPHS OF THE ESSAY INTO SEPARATE SUMMARIES OF EACH EMERSON ESSAY.  Instead, pick one point and develop that point.  For example, you could develop a paragraph on the concept of NOT following herd mentality.  Emerson mentions this in several of his essays. How does Thoreau take the idea of not following herd mentality and put it into practice at Walden Pond?  Provide at least one VERY specific detail from Walden to illustrate.  Then, move on to your next point.
You MUST draw information from all 3 Emerson selections we read--Nature, “The American Scholar”, and “Self Reliance."  
You MUST stick to Walden.  In this essay, you will not support with details from Thoreau's "Resistance to Civil Government."
You must include quotes to support your response.


2.  (30 pts.)  Explain Thoreau’s definition of “civil disobedience.” 

Do NOT provide a dictionary definition of civil disobedience.  Stick to Thoreau's "Resistance to Civil Government" to provide all of your details.
Explain Thoreau's (a) motivations for writing this essay, (b) theory of the "majority of one," and (c) how he was punished for practicing civil disobedience.
Give examples of at least two others (individuals or groups) who have followed his ideas concerning civil disobedience.  (For this portion of the question, you may consult an outside source.  You MUST cite your source.)  
Is there any principle for which you would consider civil disobedience?  Why or why not.  Be very specific with your response.


3.  (30 pts.) Reveal at least three of Whitman’s Transcendentalist beliefs in his poetry. 

Consult the list of “Basic Beliefs of Transcendentalism” on your Unit 4 Study Guide. 
Each paragraph must focus on ONE belief.  Do NOT divide your paragraphs of the essay into 3 summaries/explications of 3 different poems.
For each belief, use details from at least 2 poems as support.  
Don’t simply quote one line from each poem when you provide support.  Instead, discuss each belief and supporting poem with some depth.