Did Thoreau waste two years at Walden Pond? 
In the story of Walden, Thoreau talks about his emotions towards life. Every thought documented was when he was living at Walden Pond for just a little over two years. He found hidden meanings of life in solitude. There he also found his individuality in the world. Thoreau learns many of life’s wonders from being at Walden Pond, but being there for two years was definitely not a waste. 
The solitude helped Thoreau understand the situations of this world. Not being around people also strengthened his ability to hear nature as well. “I go and come with a strange liberty in Nature, a part of herself. As I walk along the stony shore of the pond in my shirt sleeves, though it is cool as well as cloudy and windy, and I see nothing special to attract me, all the elements are usually congenial to me” (Thoreau 386). By saying the elements are congenial Thoreau means that the elements are suited from one’s needs. By being in solitude, Thoreau began to open his eyes to what nature offers man. He saw that nature has a life of its own. It helped Thoreau see that the lives of the people cause destruction and chaos. He saw that man takes nature for granted. Man is blind enough to not see that nature gives us the essentials to live. Not only did Thoreau see realizations in solitude, he also saw that his intentions are different from many.
At Walden Pond, he learned some of the things about life many others wouldn’t even care to realize. Being in solitude for as long as he was, it had opened his eyes and made him a different person. “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he heard a different drummer. Let him step to the music when he hears however measured or far away” (Thoreau 390). Thoreau followed his own lead regardless of the mockery from others. Thoreau’s idea of nature and life were more compassionate compared to other’s opinion. Therefore, many people thought his purpose for doing what he is doing will never be of any success. Also his writings will be of no interest of value to others. Considering that, Thoreau followed his own calling and kept up with the pace of his own drummer. Thoreau unfortunately left Walden Pond, but he kept his journals. He died fourteen years later and his writings were soon published after that. Thoreau was a man who thought highly of his surroundings and the many wonders it provided. He found his purpose along with who he was through solitude. It also helped him to find out his purpose in life. People thought that Thoreau’s stay at Walden Pond was not valuable, but his stay was more valuable than the people could imagine.
In the story of Walden, Thoreau talks about his emotions towards life. Every thought documented was when he was living at Walden Pond for just a little over two years. He found hidden meanings of life in solitude. There he also found his individuality in the world. Thoreau learns many of life’s wonders from being at Walden Pond, but being there for two years was definitely not a waste. 
Excellent use of media and quotes to support your ideas in this post. Well done.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work in class. You have been a rockstar this year.