The Night Thoreau Spent In Jail

1)·         Many of the conversations in this book contain examples of irony.  List a few and explain why each is ironic.

An example of iron in act one : Henry says "Thank god we can't fly. We'd pollute the sky. Now we have planes and our sky is very polluted." This shows irony because Henry says that we are lucky that we can't pollute the sky. Then proceeds later on to say that we are polluting the sky. 

Another example is when Henry feels more free in Jail then on the outside, because in jail he isn't restricted to a schedule. It is ironic because in jail people are locked up and almost everyone thinks of jail as restricted freedoms. 

One final example of irony is when Henry teaches Bailey how to spell his name but later tells him not to write it. This shows irony because Henry teaches him something than tells Bailey not to use it. 

2)·         List the three most important characters.  Choose a present day actor/actress to take the role of each.  Explain why you would make these casting decisions and base your answers on the words and actions of each of the characters from the play.

The most important characters are Henry, John and Bailey. 

 I would have Jim Parsons play Henry because in his role in "The Big Bang Theory" his character displayed a very high level of thinking, like Thoreau. They look a little but alike aswell with their bone structures.

For John I would cast Jim Carrey for the role because John brings more fun and happy lighter feelings to Henry, and Jim Carrey is exactly that. 

For the part of Bailey I would have Chris Hemsworth play the part. I chose him because he looks like an honest man and I can see him as a friendly face like Bailey. 

3)·         Does Henry’s protest prove successful in the end?  Explain.

Henry is successful in his protest of not paying his taxes. It is successful because in the play he never pays his taxes. But he wasn't as successful as he would have been if his Aunt hadn't paid his taxes.