You have two choices for the essay question. Choose and write only one of these.
1) ESSAY QUESTION:
As describe in Walden what is Thoreau's assessment of American
Culture (what is wrong with it)? Using specific evidence from the text
discuss and outline his argument. Then respond to it. Do you agree or
disagree with his insights?
This issue should cover the entire book - not just "Economy" - meaning
you should trace his argument, how it weaves throughout the book, also (think
Structure), and use specific evidence from various section of the text.
Note, this essays needs to be at least three pages. It can be longer.
NOTE- this is due the Wednesday you return from break.
As far as structure goes, think about the following the cycle of a year
(Summer - Spring), and find parallels (Pond in Summer vs Pond in
Winter). These parallels will have interrelated ideas or a return or
expansion on an ideal. Further think about the dialectical structure
in which pairs of chapters present thematic
counterpoints to each
other (e.g. "Reading" vs. "Sounds," "Solitude" vs.
"Visitors").
You should also look at the Thoreau's continue assessment of American or
Human culture. It is in all chapters - through, it is more subtle in
most (examples will be shown below).
Bill McKibben's focus on Thoreau's practical advice for living,
however, calls our attention to another structure in which the long
opening chapter, "Economy," provides a diagnosis of what is wrong
with American life: materialism. The body of the book then presents
a cure for the disease of materialism: striving for purity and
simplicity as exemplified by Thoreau's own experience and by the
symbolic purity of Walden Pond. The final chapter presents Thoreau's
optimistic prognosis that each individual reader has the potential
to vastly improve his or her life by shifting priorities.
Think about particular themes of the book.
Self-Reliance
Materialism
Life, Consciousness and Existence
The interconnection of all things
Society and class structure
Visions of America
Technology/Modernization
How to live one’s life
Work vs. Enjoying Life
Liberation from traditional economic systems
Solitude
Self-Improvement
Practical and Formal Education
Nature as Eternal Guide and Teacher
2) Towards the end of the book Thoreau states
“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.”
What does he mean by this and how does Walden reflect this quote. Make an argument about how Thoreau achieves this quote. Use evidence from the text to support your answer. This essay needs to be at least three pages.
