Walden and Civil Disobedience

Henry David Thoreau

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Henry David Thoreau's 'Walden and Civil Disobedience' is a collection of writings that delve into themes of nature, self-reliance, contemplation, and individual responsibility. The book follows Thoreau's experiment in simple living at Walden Pond, where he reflects on the wonders of nature, the ways of man, and the human condition. Through his observations of the changing seasons and wildlife, Thoreau invites readers to contemplate their own place in the world and the universe. In 'Civil Disobedience', Thoreau presents a classic protest against government interference with individual liberty, advocating for passive resistance and influencing non-violent resistance movements worldwide.

Characters:

Thoreau emerges as the central figure, alongside various neighbors and a strong presence of nature.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines poetic description with philosophical reflections and humorous insights, creating an engaging narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on Thoreau's experiment in simple living at Walden Pond and critiques modern society, emphasizing self-reliance and personal reflection.

Setting:

The primary setting is Walden Pond in mid-19th century Massachusetts, highlighting nature and solitude.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, combining slow, detailed reflections with bursts of philosophical insights.

1823 The Thoreau family returns to Concord, where Henry’s father takes over the family pencil-making business. Henry enters the Concord Center School. Continued financial strain forces his mother to t...

Notes:

Thoreau lived in a cabin at Walden Pond for two years to escape society and reflect on life.

He moved into his cabin in 1845, constructed on land owned by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Despite being criticized as elitist, Thoreau argued that simplicity could enrich one's life.

He believed modern society made people spiritually poorer even as it advanced technologically.

Thoreau valued solitude and saw it as essential for self-improvement and reflection.

People often misinterpret Thoreau's views on nature and simplicity as outdated.

He wrote Walden after his time at the pond, mixing natural observations with personal insights.

In Civil Disobedience, Thoreau protested against slavery and the Mexican-American War, advocating for nonviolent resistance.

He famously spent one night in jail for refusing to pay poll taxes that supported slavery and war.

Thoreau argued that wealth comes from what one can live without, emphasizing a simple lifestyle.

He was a strong proponent of personal intuition, a key belief in Transcendentalism.

Thoreau's criticisms of society are still relevant today, especially regarding consumerism and technology.

His writings have inspired notable figures such as Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

Thoreau's cabin was only a mile from his neighbor, contrary to the perception that it was remote.

From The Publisher:

"If a plant cannot live according to its nature, it dies; and so a man."-Henry David Thoreau, Civil Disobedience

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About the Author:

Henry David Thoreau (July 12, 1817 - May 6, 1862) was an American author, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, historian, and leading transcendentalist.

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