Walden Ch. 1

Walden Ch. 1

1. Vocabulary

   • Obtrude
     • Become noticeable in an unwelcome or intrusive way.
   • Penance
     • Voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for having done wrong.
   • Whetted
     • Excite or stimulate (someone's desire, interest, or appetite).
   • Slough
     • A swamp.
   • Catechism
     • A summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of Christians.
   • Waive
     • Refrain from applying or enforcing (a rule, restriction, or fee).

2. Important Details

   • Walden was written in a time where Thoreau was isolated in the woods, away from people.
   • Ch.1 starts off with the author stating that he will be writing this novel in first person and will be answering questions regarding his life style in this book. He seems to prefer having personal details in the book so that the author writing it does not appear to be a blank slate.
   • Before this expirament, Thoreau worked as a Reporter, Highway Surveryor, and a Herdman.

3. Notes

   • Thoreau's Beliefs
     • Society gives too much value to material objects, therfore Thoreau sees them as toxic and unnecessary.
     • Thoreau heavily stresses ideas of self reliance and isolation from society. He believes that society is simply a distraction and that a simple life is best. This is one of his Transcendentalist beliefs.
     • Thoreau sees clothing and housing as unimportant and believes that nature has already provided the required materials for surviving. Before this expirament, Thoreau also notes how large of a role clothing plays in society and their status.
   • Thoreau has worked to earn enough money to sustain this lifestyle. To keep sane during this expirament, Thoreau keeps a thought journal. For food, he has created a farm, which further decreases his dependency on society.
     • He lives in a wooden cabin he has built near Walden Pond, to be closer and more connected to nature. Thoreau has been living there for over two years now.
       • Perhaps the action of building this new cabin alludes to him building a new life.