Thoreaus Walden FJUthoreau S fju瓦尔登湖.pptVIP

Henry David Thoreau’s Walden Group members: Christina, Derrick, Jess, Phoebe Outline 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 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 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) 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 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) 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) Summ