Chapter 13: House-Warming

Chapter 13: House-Warming

1. Strength of the Trees

   • Thoreau visits the trees surrounding his home, collecting different types of nuts and berries.
     • Again he reflects on the beauty of nature, and expresses his gratitude for this food.
     • Thoreau also believes that the trees are extremely strong, and will survive when the harsh winters begin.
   • With the cold, the color of the leaves only become more beautiful to Thoreau.

2. Visits From Wasps

   • Even though wasps seem to be scary and hurtful animals, Thoreau shows compassion for these creatures.
     • He is honored that these insects are attracted to his home because it is where he is happiest.
   • Thoreau also likes warmer weather compared to the cold, much like the wasps.

3. Importance of a Chimney

   • Thoreau uses great care when building his chimney because it is the main thing that will help him in the winter.
     • When the winds outside begin to increase, Thoreau turns to fire for warmth, showing how necessary nature is.
   • Thoreau acknowledges how small his home truly is, but that it is comfortable enough because he is the only one living in it.

4. An Open Home

   • If you own a large home, then guests should be allowed to explore it entirely.
     • Thoreau has been into many houses, but feels that he was always confined to a particular area.
   • Thoreau thinks that you should be completely open and confident with who you are and how your home looks on the outside.
     • When things are kept secret or hidden, then your guests can never know the real you.

5. The Ice Over the Pond

   • As the season changes to winter, the ice begins to form over the pond.
     • Thoreau observes the ice, his reflection, and the shallowness of the pond.
     • The pond can be compared to human beings, and how we all have a depth to our souls.

6. The Greater Snow

   • Thoreau explains that nature is constantly helping us in life, and that fire is what keeps us alive in the winter.
     • Without nature’s elements, we would be lost in the world.