Walden Questions on Henry David Thoreau
Walden
Why is Thoreau's work still relevant today?
Thoreau remains relevant today for several reasons. His advocacy for civil disobedience inspires global movements for social justice, as seen in the works of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr....
Walden
What obstacles did Thoreau face on his journey in Walden?
Thoreau faced several obstacles during his time at Walden Pond, including meeting basic needs like housing, food, and income. He built a small house for under $30, planted a garden for sustenance and...
Walden
How does "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau exemplify Transcendentalism?
"Walden" exemplifies Transcendentalism through its emphasis on nature, individualism, and self-reliance. Thoreau advocates for a simple, contemplative life close to nature, which reflects the...
Walden
What was Thoreau's view on the government's role?
Thoreau believed that the best government is one that governs least, as articulated in his essay "Civil Disobedience." As a Transcendentalist, he emphasized following personal conscience over...
Walden
How does Thoreau express his views on slavery in Walden?
The chapter "Economy" speaks explicitly about the condition of slaves, but Thoreau also makes other connections to slavery throughout Walden.
Walden
What job did Thoreau do while living by Walden Pond for two years?
While living by Walden Pond, Thoreau did not hold a formal job. Instead, he focused on self-sufficiency, growing beans, fishing, and foraging for food. He avoided expenses by living simply, using...
Walden
Did Thoreau feel his time at Walden Pond was well spent?
Thoreau felt his time at Walden Pond was well spent, as it allowed him to live deliberately and explore his own sense of freedom and consciousness. In the "Conclusion" of his work, he reflects on the...
Walden
What is Thoreau's view of poetry in Walden?
In his book Walden, Henry David Thoreau is concerned with the life of a person who has freed himself from society to live a more natural and genuinely happy life. The main themes that influence the...
Walden
What is Thoreau's attitude towards print media in Walden?
Thoreau's attitude towards print media in Walden is critical and dismissive. He views newspapers as purveyors of "the mud and slush of opinion," filled with misinformation and sensationalism,...