walden journal :: essays research papers

Walden diaryAuthor Henry David ThoreauoD.O.B- 07/12/1817o visualize of Death- 05/06/1862Date of Publication 1854Literary Period RealismPlotoIn the first chapter its announced that Henry David Thoreau spent two years in Walden kitty, near Concord, MassachusettsoIts devoted to discussing how people try to watch wealth, bargonly doesnt lead to happinessoHe likes to have it away nature, and explains that those who own a lot have to take care of things, but those who dont can do whatever they w antoDiscusses the energy that it took for him to build his house. Finished in spring of 1845, moved in July 4thoBorrowed/salvaged building materials from other sites nearby. The land that he build his house belongs to Ralph Waldo EmersonoThoreau makes a bean field for extra money, occupying his mornings, Thoreau leaves the afternoon for reading, writing and his thoughtsoHe believes in being a minimalist, relief and solitude. Contrasts his life with those who are materialisticoThoreau ponde rs the power of technology because the Fitchburg railway line passes Walden pond, and it interrupts his thoughts.oDiscusses his contact, Alex Therien, a Canadian Wood pull downter who is grand and sincere in his character, though modest in intellectual attainments.oMakes constant trips to Concord for clashing his friends, and scattered business. Spends the night in jail on one of his trips. Refused to deport bail, because the govt approves slavery.oOften spends his time paying attention to nature, the changing of seasons, and creatures that share the woods with him. The idiot that he plays hide and go strain with for instance, becomes a symbol of the playfulness of nature and its divine laughter at human endeavors. Another example of animal symbolism is the full-fledged ant war that Thoreau stumbles upon, prompting him to meditate on human warfare. His observations of nature are not like a biologist/scientist, he doesnt learn them scientifically, but gives them a moral/philosop hical view, as if they could teach him something.o Starts to prepare for winter as it becomes fall. Listens to the rabbit, squirrel, and the fox, as they gather food. Thinks about how the spyglass will melt and come back to Walden Pond. Watches ice fisherman cut ice blocks and send them to larger cities.oFor the most part Thoreau is solely but receives visits from William Ellery Channing or Amos Bronson Alcott.oAs he becomes more informal about Walden Pond and neighboring ponds he wants to measure their depths, and map their layouts. Discovers that Walden Pond is no more than 100 ft.