April 12th Reading Journal for Walden

Henry David Thoreau's Walden reads as a classic example of the transcendentalist movement. It is the biography of Thoreau during a time he spent living in the woods almost entirely isolated from civilization. The only time he has contact with civilization is when he borrows an axe from a nearby settler and eats with his friends from time to time. Thoreau constructs his own house next to an area called Walden pond. After creating a budget and balancing his expenses, he finds that he has built a stable house and created a live able are for just under $62, "a handsome bargain" in the words of Thoreau. He fills his time reading and thinking deeply about the ideals of man and how civilization has affected them.

Thoreau's writing in Walden separately addresses every aspect he believes to be important. The first six chapters, and all the the chapters in general, are named after the subjects he wishes to address and contemplate while living in the woods; this implies his belief that they are important or at least interesting to think about. However, the feel of each chapter varies as you read. For example, I felt that the first chapter of the book had a more informative tone, while chapters two and three were more emotional and insightful into the thinking behind Thoreau's decision and feelings about not only living in the woods, but the steps taken to get there. Chapters four and five centered around daily life and how he spends his time while also indirectly addressing the issue of loneliness and how he sees nature as his neighbor. Chapter six talks about how he sees visitors and how his ability to socialize has excelled. He believes that living out there has "winnowed" out the trivial visitors and only the ones that are truly dedicated or have an important reason will venture out to see him. Through the first third of the book, Thoreau has developed a strong belief in his decision.