chapter 13: House-Warming

chapter 13: House-Warming

1. In order to survive the cold winter, Thoreau had to start using certain tools/materials located in the woods. For example, the wood.

   • Thoreau states, “ It is remarkable what a value is still put upon wood even in this age and in this new country, a value more permanent and universal than that of gold. After all our discoveries and inventions no man will go by a pile of wood” (Thoreau, 277).
     • Thoreau compares wood to gold, and in doing so, he does more than emphasizes the greater value of this product of nature, which is necessary in this season.

2. So far in this book, we only read about how Walden lives in the woods in the summer season, but in this chapter we start seeing the actual struggle he goes through when the winter comes.

3. During the fall, Thoreau had trouble finding food to store for winter. In the process, he found animals like birds and squirrels doing the same. At this point, you can see Thoreau proud of his animal nature.

4. Another struggle he comes across is plastering.

   • Thoreau was used to the way his house looked and was pleased with it. Having to cover its walls was a big sacrifice that he had to make. But it was necessary in order to survive the cold winds.

5. Thoreau was beginning to lose connection with nature. The pond was frozen and was not useful as much as it used to be.