Transcript The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail

CONFORMITY SILENT DISCUSSION
“Cast…Conformity…Behind You!” (Lawrence 6).
The Common Good

“Common Good be damned! Give me something
magnificently uncommon!” (14).
 It
is common in movies and television for people to say
that their actions were guided by how it would benefit
the greater good.
 What
is the common/greater good?
 Why does Thoreau seem to want no part of it?
 Is the common/greater good the same today as it was 100
years ago?
Creativity

“Every creative event that ever happened in the
world was an interruption. Unexpected. Unplanned
for. The only people who ever get anyplace
interesting are the people who get lost” (28).
 What
do you think of when you think of:
 An
artist
 A musician
 A writer
 Are
there creative people outside of the arts?
 Who
are they?
 How are they creative?
Straw Hat

“I also wear a ridiculous straw hat. That doesn’t
mean that you should wear a ridiculous hat. You’d
look ridiculous in it…Follow-the-leader is not the
game we’re playing here! Young lady, BE YOUR
OWN MAN!” (30).
 Are
you ever expected to play “follow-the-leader?”
 Why is it important to have your own style?
 Do you think people conform to current fashion more
often than they wear what they would prefer?
Your Own Way

“I think there should be as many different persons in
the world as possible. So—each of you—be very
careful to find out and pursue your own way!” (3031).
 What
opportunities have you been given in life to find
your own way?
 What is out there for people to follow their own way
and try to reach their dreams?
 Where do you see people that are the ‘same’ most
often?