What would it be like to leave society and live in the woods? What kind of insights can solitude amongst nature provide? In the 1850s, American poet, author, and transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau sought to answer these questions. Embarking upon an experiment of two years, two months, and two days spent living in a house in the woods, Thoreau wanted to determine what makes life meaningful. The result was Walden, or Life in the Woods (1854), a book that condenses his time at Walden Pond into one year, elucidating the themes, main idea, and conclusions he drew from his time of solitude.
Walden Quick Facts
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.
Transcendentalism was a 19th-century philosophical movement of writers, poets, and philosophers in the United States, centered in New England. The main beliefs of transcendentalists are the importance of nature, individualism, and the innate goodness of people.
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.
While Thoreau writes extensively about the importance of self-reliance and solitude, critics of Walden were quick to point out that the cabin itself is not as isolated as Thoreau may have claimed—it was only about two miles from Concord. Additionally, the commuter train ran directly parallel to Thoreau's land, and Thoreau's mother often stopped by to clean his dirty laundry and give him food!
"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.
Thoreau hosted many visitors in his cabin. At one point, he wrote that he had about "thirty souls" (ch. 6) living in his house at one time!
"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.
In 1849, Thoreau published a paper based on a lecture he had given entitled "Resistance to Civil Government" which has come to be known as just "Civil Disobedience." This is based on his arrest for not paying taxes, and he argues that individuals shouldn't have to comply with government mandates that they do not agree with. It has become a very influential text on civil, nonviolent resistance to government forces.
"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.
I lived alone, in the woods, a mile from any neighbor, in a house which I had built myself, on the shore of Walden Pond, in Concord, Massachusetts, and earned my living by the labor of my hands only." (Walden, ch. 1)
Think about modern society. What aspects of contemporary lives (social media, gossip, etc.) can you think of that may make people complacent?
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.
...be a Columbus to whole new continents and worlds within you, opening new channels, not of trade, but of thought." (Walden, ch. 18)
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.
A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is the earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature." (Walden, ch. 9)
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.
With respect to luxuries and comforts, the wisest have ever lived a more simple and meagre life than the poor" (Walden, ch. 1)
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.
Every morning was a cheerful invitation to make my life of equal simplicity...I got up early and bathed in the pond; that was a religious exercise" (Walden, ch. 2)
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.
It appeared to me that for a like reason men remain in their present low and primitive condition; but if they should feel the influence of the spring of springs arousing them, they would of necessity rise to a higher and more ethereal life." (Walden, ch. 1)
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.
Is the Walden lifestyle appealing? The University of Southern California developed Walden, a Game (2017) where you can try your hand at living the simple life in a virtual recreation of the cabin at Walden Pond!
Walden - Key takeaways
Walden, or Life in the Woods (1854) is a book by American author, poet, and transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau.
Walden was based on Thoreau’s experience of living in relative isolation in a house at Walden Pond near Concord, Massachusetts for two years, two months, and two days.
The main conclusion of Walden is that people should seek to live an independent, self-reliant life in harmony with nature in order to find spiritual fulfillment.
Thoreau’s transcendentalist beliefs, the importance of nature, the pleasures of a simple life, and self-reliance constitute the main themes of Walden.
The symbols of Walden Pond and the cycle of the seasons serve to emphasize Thoreau’s overall conclusions about life in the woods.
References
- Fig. 2: Thoreau Quote Sign, Walden Pond (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thoreau_Quote_Sign,_Walden_Pond.jpg) image by Percival Kestreltail (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Kestreltail) licensed by CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en)
- Fig. 3: Walden Pond (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Walden_Pond2.jpg) image by Terryballard (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Terryballard) licensed by CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en)
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