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Henry David Thoreau’s Walden

Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. Group members: Christina, Derrick, Jess, Phoebe . Outline. Introduction to Henry David Thoreau General Ideas of the Essay Summary of Walden (Chapter 1, 2, 9, 17, 18) Main Ideas Techniques Conclusion References. Introduction to Thoreau. His life

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Henry David Thoreau’s Walden

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  1. Henry David Thoreau’s Walden Group members: Christina, Derrick, Jess, Phoebe

  2. Outline • Introduction to Henry David Thoreau • General Ideas of the Essay • Summary of Walden (Chapter 1, 2, 9, 17, 18) • Main Ideas • Techniques • Conclusion • References

  3. Introduction to Thoreau • His life 1817 borne at Concord, Massachusetts 1837 graduated from Harvard College 1841 intermittently lived in Emerson’s house 1845 built a cabin on the shore of Walden Pond 1849 “Civil Disobedience” 1854 Walden was published 1862 died in Concord on May 6

  4. His Philosophy of Living A. The importance of self-reliance B. The value of simplicity • Influence on Him A. Emerson (Transcendentalism) B. Oriental Philosophy (Hinduism) • His Impact on Others A. Emily Dickinson, B. Martin Luther King Jr. C. Mahatma Gandhi

  5. General Ideas of the Work • Background of the essay 1. Time: 1845.7.4 -1847.9.6 (2 years and 2 months) 2. Place: Walden, in Concord, Massachusetts 3. Motivation: a. Lead a simple life (877) b. Know the facts of life (915) 4. Reason to move back the “civilized society” 5. “When I wrote the following pages [ . . . ] I lived there two years and two months. (868 B1807-08)

  6. General Ideas of the Work 2 • Features of the essay: a. First point of view- egotism b. Based on Thoreau’s own experiences • Characters • Thoreau himself—the main character in this work • Alex Therien (the wood chopper)—an occasional visitor (Ch6 Visitors 1881-88) More information

  7. Summary- Ch 1 Economy • Simplified lifestyle • Excess possessions of people in the present • Four necessities of all creatures: food, shelter, clothing and fuel • “By the words necessary of life, [ . . . ] and thus have forged their own golden or silver fetters. (873-75 B1812-15)

  8. Summary- Ch2 Where I lived and What I lived for • Recalled many places before selecting Walden • The Hollowell farm • Thoreau’s delight • Urge all of us to measure the reality of things • “At a certain season of our life we are accustomed to consider every spot [ . . . ] he can afford to let alone.” (910 B 1850)

  9. Summary- Ch 9 The Ponds • The pond is pure and deep • “The water is so transparent that the bottom can easily be discerned at the depth [ . . . ] where the water was 25ft deep.” (937 B 19010) • The changes of colors • Previous generations vs. the surroundings of the pond • “A lake is the landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature [ . . . ] are its overhanging brows.” (941 B1905)

  10. Summary- Ch 17 Spring • The ice begins to melt • “Ere long, not only on these banks, but on every hill and plain and in every hollow [ . . . ] which widowed Nature wears.” (954 B1969) • An old man • Death • Beside this I got a rare mess of golden and silver [ . . . ] O Grave, where was thy victory, then?” (958 1973)

  11. Summary- Ch18 Conclusion • Changing of soul rather than changing of the landscape • “If you have built castles in the air [ . . . ] put the foundations under them.” (962 B 1977) • Encourage us to get rid of our civilized shells and find ourselves • “Rather than love [ . . . ] Truly, we are deep thinkers, we are ambitious spirits!” (965-66 B1980-1981)

  12. Main Idea • A. Self-reliance: both economical and spiritual • B. Value of Simplicity: one may acquire more, or reduce one’s desire • C. Illusion of modern life: “They are but improved means to an unimproved end”

  13. Techniques • A. The Cycle of Seasons • B. Imaginary people • C. Symbols 1. Walden Pond: microcosm macrocosm 2. Animals: intimacy of nature 3. Ice: human beings can not control the nature • D. Quotations: 1. Eastern 2. Western

  14. Conclusion • Thoreau provides a new way of living, but seems to be too idealistic. • This essay does not contradict with his philosophy of living, because for him, life is experience. • Not preaching his way of living, but encourage people to find out their own way of living • “In short, I am convinced both by faith and experience. [ . . . ] unless he sweats easier than I do.” (905 B1845)

  15. References • Thoreau, Henry David. Walden.http://neuro.ohbi.net/taiwanese/mofa_Thoreau.php • Spark Notes. Walden.http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/walden/

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