Chapter 17: Spring

Chapter 17: Spring

1. Sensitivity of the Pond

   • When Thoreau spent the day at Flint’s Pond, he had hit the ice with an ax, and watched as it slowly, but loudly cracked.
     • Thoreau believes that the pond follows the rules of nature and is simply removing its cover of ice for the upcoming spring.
   • As ponds are sensitive to the weather and follow the rules of nature, humans are also sensitive to the rules of society.

2. The Coming of Spring

   • One of Thoreau’s favorite parts about living in the woods was being able to witness the season slowly change.
     • The days grew noticeably longer, and the happier, cheerful animals began to come through the woods.
   • Fires were no longer necessary to keep warm, and Thoreau once again observed the shift from ice to water in the pond.

3. The Thawing of Sand and Clay

   • When the snow and ice begin to melt from winter, various colors of sand and clay begin to show in the woods.
     • Sometimes the sand and clay show up in areas that they were not previously in.
     • Thoreau believes it to be a rejuvenation or new sense of life for nature.
   • The sand and clay are vitals for nature, like humans have a vital body.
     • Society is not vital, and only causes trouble for nature.

4. The Man

   • Thoreau becomes very religious when speaking about the thawing of sand and clay by saying that all human beings are thawing clay.
     • At any moment in time, we have the opportunity to change and become a better person.
     • We will always be connected to nature, which is why we should show it kindness and respect.
   • God is all around us taking the place as nature.
     • Everything in nature will always be preserved and live forever.
   • Similar to how the spring thaws out the remaining winter, it also allows us to restart our lives if we choose.

5. Happiness For Spring

   • In his writing, Thoreau sounds a lot happier in the spring compared to winter.
     • As he explains, the change in the weather and environment give him a new way to feel about life.
   • Finally, he concludes that this was his first completed year at Walden.