Chapter 5: Solitude

Chapter 5: Solitude

1. "Nature's Watchmen"

   • Thoreau is surrounded by different types of animals near Walden Pond.
     • These animals are completely free in nature, which is how Thoreau would like his life to be.

2. The Visitors

   • Thoreau rarely has people to visit him and discuss life.
     • His closest neighbor is about a mile away.
     • People can become apprehensive of the woods and scared to visit his home.
   • Thoreau realizes that the nature around him acts as his companion.
     • The sounds, animals, and seasons are nature showing Thoreau that he is not alone.
     • Thoreau feels a sense of clarity knowing that he will never be left alone.
     • Every time he feels sad, Thoreau simply turns to nature for guidance.
       • As a result, Thoreau develops a stronger appreciation for nature, one of his main reasons for going to Walden Pond.

3. Loneliness and Solitude

   • Many people believe that Thoreau would be extremely lonely at Walden Pond.
     • He can never be truly lonely because we live in a galaxy filled with various living things.
     • Solitude cannot be measured in distance because not everyone feels alone when there are no people to comfort them.
   • Thoreau would rather be alone with his thoughts than listening to gossip in his village.
     • Focusing on your own thoughts will make you more cheerful.
     • People who listen to the gossip of the town are not educated, and Thoreau feels he cannot have a true conversation with them.
       • He would much rather be physically alone, then to be speaking with someone and feeling alone inside his mind.

4. Comparison of Nature and People

   • Nature’s atmosphere gives Thoreau a feeling of innocence and sympathy.
     • When the weather is bad, it shows negative emotions like humans do.
   • People can sometimes take advantage of what nature has to offer.
     • Something like water needs to be bottled up and have a look that will please its consumers.
       • These people then choose to spend money on the water, even though they could have it for free from any pond or fountain.