English III--"Walden"--Close Reading Activity. Posted on September 5, 2024. Due on September 11, 2024.

 

https://tea4avcastro.tea.state.tx.us/thl/ENG3.W3.L3andL4.where-i-lived-and-what-i-lived-for.pdf

Read the background material to Walden and Thoreau (in the gray box at the beginning of the PDF you access through the link). Consider the literary terms listed below (first look them up and write the definitions). As you read Walden, find an example of each term (cite page and beginning of quote). Explain the effectiveness of Thoreau's use of that rhetorical device as best you can. How does his use of each technique enrich your reading of the text? 

Look up the definitions of all terms. Your document should include these terms and write down their definitions, Thoreau's examples of these terms (quote from the text--include the page number in parens.), and explain how/why the rhetorical devices he uses are effective in getting across an argument or point Thoreau is making.

Rhetorical Terms (in document)

• parable
• anecdote
• paradox
• rhetorical question
• allusion
• simile
• personification
• parallel structure
• imagery
• analogy
• extended metaphor
• cadence
• voice
• tone
• irony
• aphorism/adage/proverb/axiom/epigram

In your binder, write notes and ideas for consideration during our class discussion of this text; record any questions you have and parts that you find confusing. Consider what Thoreau would think about society today. Explain your reasoning. Always be sure to cite text by quoting and listing page numbers. These additional notes and ideas need not be included in the typed document specified in red at the end of this post; you can handwrite your notes and ideas in your binder.

Assignment: The Rhetorical Terms above. Follow the directions above. Then answer the questions at the end of the selection (in the PDF document—both the multiple-choice and discussion questions).

What should you have as an MLA document homework assignment?:

A typed, double-spaced, MLA formatted document—one copy printed in your binder and an electronic copy on your laptop. Your document should have these parts with subtitles: 1. Rhetorical Terms (definitions and examples of how these terms are used in Thoreau's text, followed by a sentence explaining how the rhetorical devices are effective in Thoreau's text) 2. Answers to questions at the end of the PDF document in complete sentences with textual support and parenthetical citations.

As always, this assignment should be kept in your binder for the entirety of the semester and may be checked at any time for a grade.

In addition, print out and annotate Thoreau's text. Keep that printout in your binder. Also, upload a picture of your annotated text to your laptop.