Question

which would be the best way of describing the overall structure of thoreaus observations in \civil disobedience\?
he focuses entirely on his experiences while being imprisoned.
he develops a critique of his jail cell into a critique of the entire prison system and justice department.
he moves from a consideration of his surroundings to an evaluation of the state as a whole.
he uses the example of his case as a way to introduce his condemnation of the court.

Explanation:

Thoreau starts by describing his immediate surroundings (the jail cell details like walls, door, iron grating). Then he moves on to evaluate the institution (the state) that put him there. He goes from a specific consideration of his physical surroundings (the jail cell aspects) to a broader evaluation of the state as a whole. The first option is incorrect as he doesn't focus only on imprisonment experiences. The second option is too narrow as it's not just about the prison system and justice department. The fourth option is also off - he uses his case to talk about the state, not just the court.

Answer:

He moves from a consideration of his surroundings to an evaluation of the state as a whole.