Walden- Discussion

Who owns the land where Thoreau built his cabin?

• Ralph Waldo Emerson

• Thoreau's family

• The town of Concord

• Nathaniel Hawthorne

How does Thoreau view nature?

• As a resource to be exploited for human needs

• As a source of spiritual and philosophical insight to understand life, and a refuge from society

• As a dangerous and unpredictable force to be avoided

• As an obstacle to progress and development

How did Thoreau view working six days a week and resting on the seventh?

• As a necessary routine for a productive life

• As a misguided practice that prevents people from truly living

• As a tradition that brings spiritual fulfillment

• As an efficient way to balance work and leisure

How did Thoreau nurture his mind while he was at Walden Pond?

• By engaging in frequent social gatherings

• By reading, writing, observing nature, and reflecting deeply

• By working tirelessly on his cabin and garden

• By traveling to nearby towns for intellectual discussions

How do the four seasons serve as a central motif in Walden?

• They represent the different types of weather Thoreau encountered

• They symbolize the cycles of life, personal growth, and the passage of time

• They illustrate Thoreau's expertise in farming and gardening

• They serve as a backdrop for Thoreau's social interactions with neighbors

How does Thoreau view animals in Walden?

• As mere subjects for scientific study

• As symbols of the simplicity and purity of nature

• As competitors for resources and space

• As sources of entertainment and distraction

What does Thoreau imply with the statement "There is more day to dawn. The sun is but a morning star"?

• The day is ending and night is approaching

• The sun has already set, and there is no more daylight

• The potential for growth and enlightenment is still ahead, and the current state is just the beginning

• The sun is about to rise for the first time in the morning

How does Thoreau address the theme of self-reliance in Walden?

• He advocates for complete dependence on others for support and guidance

• He emphasizes the need to conform to societal norms and expectations

• He encourages individuals to trust their own abilities and judgment, living independently and simply

• He criticizes the pursuit of personal goals and ambitions

How does Thoreau view minimalism?

Do you agree with Thoreau that living in nature is healthier than living in society?

Why or why not?