Walden Essay

As describe in Walden what is Thoreau's assessment of American Culture (what is wrong with it)?  Using specific evidence from the text discuss and outline his argument.  Then respond to it.  Do you agree or disagree with his insights?  Discuss.

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation” quoted from Walden, a philosophical writing on the importance of materials and nature to human society written by Henry David Thoreau. Throughout Walden Thoreau uses his experience at Walden Pond to analyze and justify his assessment of American culture; that men while remaining spiritually asleep labor and fight to get to the top of the social ladder using materials as a source of measurement of their riches. However, they toil uselessly. Through the use of the title and symbolism Thoreau urges his readers to break from conformity and focus on the crucial things. Only if they do this will they truly be living.

The title of Thoreau’s most important work is selfless in name. By naming the book after a pond, Walden, rather than “Thoreau’s experiment” he emphasizes nature rather than humanity. This focuses on Thoreau’s theme of nonconformity and honing in to the simple and important motions of life. Throughout Walden Thoreau argues that Americans spend too much of their time focusing on obtaining materialistic wealth without appreciating to the true beauty of life which can be displayed in nature. This title goes against Americans’ view of life thus challenging the reader to think differently and break from American conformity.

Walden’s title is not the only item that encourages spiritual growth and nonconformity: symbols do as well. In the Chapter Economy Thoreau describes a search for three animals: the hound, the bay horse, and the turtle dove. All three of these animals are used in races in real life. Just like everyone around him these beasts have no time to stop, but are constantly competing against one another to get the top title. This metaphor encourages Thoreau’s readers to stop racing for “the next big thing”, jump off the track, and compete for what they are passionate about. Also, to further drive home his message Thoreau does not directly tell the reader to stop in life, but by making this metaphor difficult to understand one has to stop and analyze the writing thus disrupting the flow of the book. Just like you should disrupt the flow of your life.

In my own opinion I believe that Thoreau was accurate in requesting his readers to search for what they truly believe in rather than what society forces them to want. However I disagree with his radical concept of breaking away from society. For example, Thoreau was arrested for not paying poll taxes because the money went towards the Mexican American war and the expansion of slavery. Although I admire his willingness to stick up for his moral beliefs I believe that breaking the law to show your defiance is not acceptable.