Chapter 6 Walden

Chapter 6 Walden

1. Thoreau does love society. Has 3 chairs in his house, one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society.

   • Has had 20-30 people under his roof before, and when there was not enough room, his company would be taken to the pine woods behind his home.
   • If he had only one guest, he would offer his dinner. With more people, there was no mention of it.

2. Winslow, governor of Plymouth County, held a dinner that was poorly entertained. Thoreau could not see how they could do better.

3. Had other visitors every now and then.

   • Canadian woodchopper visits and Thoreau discusses Homer's work with him. Did not state his name because it was too poetic to write.
     • Admired the chopper because he was quiet and solitary, and enjoyed having conversations with him when they saw one another in the woods.
       • Saw him as a somewhat intellectual, developed, and spiritual man. He was humble and simple, believes Nature made him.

4. Continues to talk about the woodchopper and his traits.

   • The chopper does not read or write for himself, but for others.
     • An almanac and arithmetic were his only books.
   • Others may see the chopper as someone who knows nothing, but Thoreau sees more in him.
     • Questioned if he was as wise as Shakespeare or as ignorant as a child though.
   • Thoreau stated he had an animal life, but saw originality in him. Compares him to the pond.

5. Travelers would make excuses to see Thoreau and his house at Walden Pond.

   • Once a pauper came and told him how the Lord made him different from others. Thoreau saw truth in his words and saw the pauper as humble and sincere.
   • Some poor guests would ask for hospitality but Thoreau would turn them away. He did help a runaway slave once north, showing his abolitionist side.
   • Women and children were more fond of the woods. Men were not interested.