Solitude and Visitors

Start with solitude

Begin with a map on solitude to see how Thoreau connects isolation with nature and freedom. The map titled Solitude describes the land around him, the lack of nearby houses and his sense of having a little world of his own. Other solitude maps focus on Walden Pond and his walks near the water. Compare their branches to see which details each map emphasizes.

Move on to visitors

Next, look at a map on visitors. These maps describe Thoreau's enjoyment of society alongside his time alone. They also mention the people who came to his home and his approach to offering dinner. One map notes his chairs for solitude, friendship and society. Use these details to consider how the maps present solitude and company together.

Use the maps to check your understanding

After studying a map, cover it and try to recall its main points. Turn those points into questions, such as how Thoreau connects isolation with freedom or what the visitors maps say about his guests. Then return to the map to check your answers. There are no quizzes listed on this page, so the maps are the starting point for this kind of practice.

Connect the section to Walden

Solitude and Visitors is a section of the Walden unit in Literature. Read a solitude map and a visitors map side by side to connect the two parts of this section within the unit. Notice where their accounts of Thoreau's relationship with nature and society differ in emphasis. Choose a pair of maps and use their branches to organize your own study notes.