1. Read the following paragraph from "Resistance to Civil Government" by Henry David Thoreau:
This American government, —what is it but a tradition, though a recent one,
endeavoring to transmit itself unimpaired to posterity, but each instant losing some of
its integrity? It has not the vitality and force of a single living man; for a single man
can bend it to his will. It is a sort of wooden gun to the people themselves. But it is
not the less necessary for this; for the people must have some complicated
machinery or other, and hear its din, to satisfy that idea of government which they
have. Governments show thus how successfully men can be imposed upon, even
impose on themselves, for their own advantage. It is excellent, we must all allow. Yet
this government never of itself furthered any enterprise, but by the alacrity with which
it got out of its way. It does not keep the country free. It does not settle the West. It
does not educate. The character inherent in the American people has done all that
has been accomplished; and it would have done somewhat more, if the government
had not sometimes got in its way. For government is an expedient, by which men
would fain succeed in letting one another alone; and, as has been said, when it is
most expedient, the governed are most let alone by it.
Analyze the rhetorical style of this paragraph. How does the style contribute to the
essay's power? In particular, consider its parallelism and figurative language in
formulating your response. Be sure to include specific details from the text to support
your answer. (10 points)