| |
Walden is a story of the
experiences of Thoreau while he was living in
near solitude, in a log cabin at Walden Pond.
Although Thoreau stayed there two years, the
story only spans one year. The book is a
discussion of Thoreaus philosophy on life
and society. The book begins, in the first
chapter titled Economy, by questioning
societys way of thinking and working. He
discusses individuality, and writes about his
experiment of trying to live by the philosophies
set forth in his book. Mainly, he tries to live
independently from the government and society,
using as little money as possible. The book ends
with a ten page conclusion, where Thoreau
encourages the reader to be different, and an
individual. Thoreau admits that his experiment
would not be fit for everyone, but encourages
everyone to live "simply and wisely"
(48), and to not fall into a rut in life. Thoreaus experiment
at Walden Pond was an attempt to demonstrate that
it was not necessary to have all the modern
conveniences to be happy. He was out to show that
one can be happier by living a simpler life.
Thoreau encourages focusing on only the
necessities to live. While his theories may not
be suitable for society as a whole, he believes
that for many it would present a way of truly
living life to its fullest.
Walden was
written between 1845 and 1847, as a record of
Thoreaus life at Walden Pond and the
insights he had while there. He writes from the
position of an outsider, not fitting in with the
community. The book is written as a social
criticism, raising points and ideas that lead to
discontentment, and serve to provoke new ways of
thought and living for a few, which is his
purpose.
Waldens
theme in general is an emphasis on individuality.
Thoreau believed that society was wiping out the
uniqueness of individuals in a community. In
order for mankind to go forward, Thoreau suggests
that, for some, a return to the basics of life is
necessary. For Thoreau, money was a symbol for
superficiality, and he thought that learning to
live without was the path to meaningful living.
|
|