5 of 7

Write now Article Tools

"Walden" is not only one of the most popular non-fiction books ever written, but it's hands down Thoraeu's magnum opus. One can say: it's a book about individualism, although not nearly as original as Moby Dick, but again; fiction has always been more flexible than non-fiction. The book asks the question: what; and how much is really necessary for a person to live on? The reason "Walden" isn't as original as "Moby Dick" (comparing non-fiction to fiction isn't always easy); is because of "Walden's content; poverty is the one thing the world is very aware of. In Melville's case: for two people of completely different culture to come together, was a very difficult then; as it is even nowdays. Look around you: Countries hate each other, and don't take me on the topic of religion-need I say anything else. Today "Walden" remains one of the accomplishments of world literature.

Like many other 19th century great American books/novels (even though the book is non-fiction; it's still a novel), this bookwas inspired by transcendentalism; of which Melville, Hawthorne, and of course Thouraeu were much influenced by. The first chapter is about "capital," or rather "lack of." Thoraeu says it cost him $28.12 cents to live on Walden for two years. Just think: even if you own a hybrid today, most likely you can't fill it up with this amount...but-in Thoreau's day, this was money. I think if you translate this into our current economy (US anyway), it's safe to say: $2000.00; of course this is nothing today, as it was nothing in Thoraeu's day either.

Other themes the book has are: sounds, solitude, visitors, village, ponds...Thoraeu really wanted to convey what it was to be in complete absolute with nature (Walden Pound), and a great job he did. He also hunted/fished a great deal, which was probably one of the reasons he was able to survive with such little capital. Fish and game were available to him at Walden Pound, and he took advantage of this to a great extend; not by choice but by cheer necessity.

Thoraeu was an individualist, no doubt about it; but he planned his life on Walden very frugally. I have problems giving this book, or Thoreau so much credit, because of this one thing: predictability (again, it's difficult to elaborate when writing non-fiction; non-fiction is much more difficult to write than fiction is for some...believe it or not.) He knew what he was getting into when he decided to live on Walden, and although he was most original by doing this, he wasn't in the same situation as people are today. There isn't one single homeless person on the street who will tell you they want to be on this situation. Thoraeu on the other hand, did this willingly. This is where I give him credit. He did something most wouldn't have ever done back then. He stood for what he believed in! This is where his individualism comes in, and this is why Thoraeu is considered to be a genius by generations after him, especially motivational thinkers, self-help groups, etc. He took a risk, without having to; and for this people have placed him amongst one of the literary giants of all times.

Learn more about this author, John Sarkis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Literary analysis: The ideal of individualism in Henry David Thoreau's "Walden"?
We want to hear your view. Write now!