The Gist of the Article ③
On another level, we can also see Thoreau’s despite and pity for the villagers’ spiritual slumbers, suggesting that their spirit should be awakened and improved. At the same level, Thoreau expresses his hatred for the unjust laws of society by refusing to pay a poll-tax. He was detained for a night in jail.
Paragraph 2 Q: How did the news affect the men in the village according to the author?
Some have such a vast appetite for the former commodity, that is, the news, and such sound digestive organs, that they can sit forever in public avenues without stirring...
Lead-in Questions --1 Simple natural life idyllic, barn, pasture, grove, hoeing, grazing, meadow, cabin, woods, fireplace, creek, footpath, cart
Lead-in Questions --2 Advantages: The environment is clean and peaceful. There is no pollution. Air, water and food are fresh. There isn’t much crime. Life is comfortable and convenient. There is not much pressure.