Literature Discussion 4

Edgar Allan Poe:

Biography, Vol. 1 pp. 731-735 and "The Cask of Amontillado," Vol. 1 pp. 785-790

Henry David Thoreau:

Biography, Vol. 1 pp. 900-902 and "Resistance to Civil Government," Vol. 1 pp. 903-918 (essay)

Post 1: Look at Henry David Thoreau's "Resistance to Civil Government."  He claims that it is not just our right as Americans, but it is also our duty to defy unjust laws.  This is a very American idea.  Part of the American identity involves intervening in the face of injustice.  Do you agree with this point?  What boundaries should exist to those interventions?  Support your claims using "Resistance to Civil Government" AND one of the other assigned readings from this week.

Criteria:

· 300 words minimum (excluding quotations and citations)

· Include two properly and integrated quotations (one from each work) to support your claims.  You may use either direct or paraphrased quotes.  See the Literary Analysis Tools Modules in Weeks 1 and 2 for information about integrating and citation quotes.