Walden

Walden Background

Walden, or Life in the Woods (1854) was written by Henry David Thoreau, an American writer, poet, and orator who lived in New England for the majority of his life. Thoreau was involved in the Transcendentalism movement and sought to understand the connections between man and nature more deeply. To do so, he lived in a wooden cabin in relative isolation for two years, two months, and two days. The area in which he lived is referred to as Walden Pond, given the pond on the property, and it is from this pond that Thoreau titled this collection.

Walden (1854) Summary

Walden is an experimental book by Thoreau that is part essay collection, part memoir, part scientific observation, and part poetry. It is divided into multiple chapters, all summarized here. The book takes his two years, two months, and two days at Walden Pond and shortens it to the span of one year; in the book, the changing of the seasons is an important literary tool for illustrating Thoreau’s ideas about humanity.

"Economy"

The first chapter of Thoreau’s book is also its longest. Titled "Economy," Thoreau outlines in exacting detail the specifics of his two years, two months, and two days. He explains the dimensions of the cabin built upon the land and how he plans to live thanks to the help of close friends and family. In particular, he discusses Ralph Waldo Emerson and his family, who allowed him to build the cabin on their property by Walden Pond in exchange for Thoreau clearing some of the woods and completing tasks outdoors on the property at Emerson’s request.

The title of the section comes from his understanding of the economic aspect of his natural experiment, all of the costs and expenses, both monetarily and physically, associated with his time in the woods. He outlines how many people work too hard and many expenses in daily life. Clothing, for example, only serves to separate people from one another and preoccupy them as a silly concern.

He also discusses the philosophy of his time in the woods and the benefits and drawbacks of philanthropy and religion. Thoreau is reluctant to endorse philanthropy given the importance he places on individuality; he concludes that if an individual’s life calling is philanthropy, then that person should pursue it. Overall, however, philanthropy only serves to decrease people’s self-reliance. He rejects the mission of organized religion and believes that people should embark on individual spiritual journeys.

Fig. 1 - Henry David Thoreau is the author of Walden.

"Where I Lived, and What I Lived For"

In the next chapter, "Where I Lived, and What I Lived For", Thoreau describes choosing the location for his time in nature. Originally, Thoreau had planned on purchasing a farm known as Hollowell farm, but the wife who lived on the farm changed her mind and declined to sell it. When he first moves into the house at Walden Pond, the construction was not completed. Thoreau enjoys this, however, as it allows him to feel more a part of nature. He details his thoughts surrounding the trappings of society and believes that people are too caught up in unimportant news and trifling gossip. Rather, people should seek to live "deliberately" (Walden, ch. 2) and consciously, to do all things with intent.

"Reading"

"Reading" is the next chapter, and Thoreau discusses the importance of reading. He sees books as markers of true wealth and believes that people should endeavor to read classic novels. To him, reading helps people expand their spiritual understanding of the world. He believes that a person’s mental education must be fostered throughout their whole life, that while Concord, Massachusetts has good schools for children, there should also be schools for adults and that education shouldn’t end in childhood.

"Sounds"

After discussing reading, Thoreau begins to talk about another sense in the chapter "Sounds." He discusses how people should be more in tune with the sounds that they hear around them. Nature in particular is full of sounds that help people increase their perceptiveness. Whether it is the sound of birds chirping, the train passing by his plot of land, or the church bells in town, fostering awareness of the sounds and sights aids in a person’s enjoyment of life.

"Solitude"

After this, he heads into the next chapter, "Solitude." Here, he discusses the importance of being comfortable in solitude, as it brings a person closer to nature. At his house in the woods, he has two regular companions: a nearby settler and an older woman with an excellent memory. He notes that there is an important distinction between solitude and loneliness: one can feel lonely even amongst many people, while solitude is something a person should strive toward.

"Visitors"

Following up on his discussion of solitude, Thoreau notes that though he enjoys the solitude of his time in the woods, he also enjoys receiving visitors in the chapter "Visitors." He has many visitors, including people just seeking to use the water of the pond as well as travelers or those seeking charity. Thoreau has no time for those seeking charity, as he resents their lack of self-reliance. One important visitor that Thoreau spends time writing about is a Canadian man who he sees as living a simple, true "animal life" (ch. 6). Despite his relative isolation, Thoreau notes that he has more visitors at Walden Pond than he ever did living in the city.

"The Bean Fields"

Every morning, Thoreau begins his work in the bean fields. He describes the work he does in the fields and how working with the land allows him to feel more connected to it. He describes the importance of working with the land in a mindful way, and he dislikes the trend of large farms working the land with machinery seeking to make a profit. He believes the life and noble profession of farming has been lessened by those who would seek to disconnect farming practices from their ancient roots and connection to nature.

"The Village"

Despite his time at Walden Pond being an experiment in living in solitude, Thoreau returns to the nearby village every few days. He describes these visits in the chapter "The Village". He goes to enjoy the chatter and gossip of the villagers and to better appreciate the wildness of nature upon his return to the Pond. He also laments societal institutions such as taxation as he relates that, upon one visit to the village, he was arrested for not paying a poll tax and spent the night in jail.

"The Ponds"

Following his description of his visits to the village, Thoreau describes Walden Pond and the surrounding area where he lives in "The Ponds." With scientific observation, Thoreau describes in detail the pond’s shape, the wildlife that lives in and amongst it, and the pond’s color and features. He also takes a few paragraphs to discuss nearby ponds, but none that are better than Walden Pond. He notes that the pond and its surrounding are humble and “does not approach to grandeur” (ch. 9) but that, to someone well-acquainted with the pond, it deserves a detailed description.

"Baker Farm"

After "The Pond" comes "Baker Farm," a chapter in which Thoreau describes spending time at the farm of a neighbor, John Field, after he had been caught in a rainstorm. Thoreau describes Field, an Irish immigrant farmer, as hardworking and leading a simple lifestyle. Thoreau tries to get Field to break away from the conventions of modern society that weigh him down—his employer, debt collectors—but Field is uninterested or afraid to do so. Compared to Field, Thoreau is very happy with his independent lifestyle.

"Higher Laws"

In "Higher Laws," Thoreau discusses the balance between a spiritual and savage life. He believes that the desire to kill and eat animals is a savage desire in humans, but one that is understandable. However, those who can lead a vegetarian lifestyle have transcended the primitive urges that drive people to eat meat. He lauds those who can commit to vegetarianism, chastity, and abstain from alcohol indulgence. He believes that the control exercised by this kind of lifestyle is indicative of a higher spiritual connection with God.

"Brute Neighbors", "House-Warming", and "Former Inhabitants and Winter Visitors"

"Brute Neighbors" is the next chapter, in which Thoreau talks about the Hermit, who comes to Walden Pond to fish with him. He expresses admiration for the wildlife that live around his property for their carefree, wild ways of life. In the next chapter, "Housewarming", Thoreau describes additions he has added to the house to make it more of a home and to make it more comfortable to live in during the winter months. "Former Inhabitants and Winter Visitors" is the subsequent chapter in which Thoreau describes the people who used to occupy his area at Walden Pond and the various visitors he receives during the winter, including poet and transcendentalist William Ellery Channing.

"Winter Animals", "The Pond in Winter", and "Spring"

In "Winter Animals", Thoreau observes the behavior of the animals during the wintertime. He wonders about whether the animals have a hierarchy or societal organization the way humans do. As he does with the animals, in "The Pond in Winter," Thoreau describes the observations he makes about the pond during the wintertime. The ice in the pond was cut out by laborers who came to take it to the Carolinas.

After the winter comes the chapter "Spring." He notes at the beginning of the chapter that one of the primary motivations for coming to the woods was to observe the arrival of springtime. As the ice melts and the flowers gradually spring up, the rebirth he witnesses in nature is echoed in the internal rebirth Thoreau feels watching. At the end of the chapter, he notes that on September 6th, 1847, he left Walden Pond.

"Conclusion"

Thoreau expounds upon many of the topics discussed in previous chapters in his conclusion to Walden. His ultimate conclusion is that people must embrace the life they live, no matter their circumstances. He believes that at any moment in time a person may reinvent their lives. People must strive for individuality and renewal, rejecting societal pressures and conformities.

Fig. 2 - There is a sign with a quote from Walden at Walden Pond.

Main Idea of Walden

In Walden, Thoreau ultimately set out to determine what makes life meaningful. He concludes that self-reliance, solitude, simplicity, and spirituality are all the components of a meaningful life. A person must determine what job they should do by what calls to them, and what they can do with conviction. If everybody worked with intent and sought to live a life appreciative of the splendors of nature, then they would be closer to an ideal kind of life.

Walden Analysis

Thoreau makes use of recurrent themes, symbols, and an exacting writing style throughout Walden.

Walden Themes

Throughout Walden, Thoreau employs themes dealing with nature, independence, Transcendentalism, and simplicity.

Self-Reliance & Independence

One of Thoreau’s main themes throughout Walden is the importance of people developing their own self-reliance and sense of independence. Much of this is centered on the rejection of conformity and the embrace of individuality, a central tenet of Transcendentalism. Much of Thoreau’s beliefs about self-reliance stem from his dislike of societal conventions. He believes that society makes people complacent and that a life lived free from constraints and expectations is the best way to live a fulfilled, spiritual life. For Thoreau, the societal focus on petty gossip was one such example of something that made people complacent—if they were too focused on that, they couldn't focus on enriching themselves.

Transcendentalism & Spirituality

Throughout Walden, Thoreau’s observations embody transcendentalist values such as individuality, conviction, and the innate goodness of people. He also details the importance of spirituality. He articulates his distrust in organized religion and that people should seek to have an individual relationship with God. Many of his overarching criticisms of society and his beliefs about nature and its relationship with people stem from his transcendental beliefs. He believes that people are caught up in the petty gossip and obstacles of daily life that stop them from seeking spiritual fulfillment. Through embracing life in appreciation and communication with nature, relying solely upon oneself, and recognizing the goodness of humanity, Thoreau believes that people can progress into life as close to ideal as possible.

The Importance of Nature

Similar to the previous two themes, much of Walden deals with the importance of nature. Thoreau uses the passing of the seasons throughout Walden as a way to represent how nature can relate to and reflect humanity. As all of nature undergoes rebirth and regrowth in springtime, Thoreau detailed how humans can and should do the same. Just as how plants spring back up every year, Thoreau believes that people should undergo constant reinvention. Through a relationship with nature, people can gain more understanding of the world and their own lives; through nature, people can become closer to God.

Fig. 3 - This picture of Walden Pond in Autumn reflects Thoreau's interest in the changing of seasons.

Leading a Simple Life

Finally, if there is one message that can be taken away from Walden, it is Thoreau’s ultimate presentation of the simple life. To him, society is filled with endless, unimportant distractions. A truly well-lived life is one that is lived humbly, relying upon simple pleasures. These simple pleasures include having ample leisure time, especially in comparison to time spent working, reducing the amount of consumption one engages in, and rejecting the frivolities of mainstream society.

Symbols in Walden

Thoreau employs multiple symbols throughout Walden to underscore his message.

Walden Pond

Throughout the entirety of Walden, Walden Pond is used as a symbol of the inherent holiness and importance of nature. He likens it to the Ganges River in India, known as the holiest river in the world. Thoreau recounts bathing in the pond in the mornings, and he likens that to a religious experience. The Pond stands in for the spirituality of nature as a whole, and just as he emphasizes that humans must undergo a rebirth, Walden Pond itself is described as having been dead in winter but comes alive in spring.

The Cycle of the Seasons

The cyclical nature of the seasons is also a symbol of humanity. Throughout Walden, Thoreau’s real-life two years, two months, and two days are compressed into one seasonal cycle. Beginning and ending in spring, Thoreau seizes on the idea of rebirth both in regard to nature and in man. Each of the seasons symbolizes an aspect of the life he lives at Walden Pond: in summer he is active and tending to his fields, while wintertime comes and his chapters become more about his internal thoughts. In springtime, there is rebirth in the world. Thoreau discusses the importance of rebirth and reinvention in people’s lives.

Walden’s Writing Style

Thoreau has a very distinct writing style that he employs in Walden. Thoreau writes in a direct manner, but his prose often turns lyrical when he discusses nature. In addition to his paragraphs of text, he includes many snippets of poetry and verse, both written by others and penned by him. His writing style often reflects his subject. The summer months contain writing that is more sunny and joyous, while his writing is calmer in winter, turning introspective.