Walden Response Journal

2. Thoreau argues that poverty can be a blessing and that "Money is not required to buy one necessary of the soul." Explain what you think he means and whether you agree.

2. A major theme of this chapter is resurrection, the potential for each person to change his or her priorities and start life anew. Explain how the following serve as symbols of resurrection: a) The thawing sand bank b) The melting ice on Walden Pond c) The influx of light d) Wildness e) The dead horse by the path

1. This chapter renews the discussion of animals begun in the "Brute Neighbors" chapter, but on a more literal level. Why does Thoreau think common animals such as blue-jays, rabbits, and foxes are an important part of our world?

1. In this chapter Thoreau describes how he built his chimney and plastered his walls before winter set in. What benefit, both personal and economic, is there in building something yourself as he did, rather than having someone else do it?

2. What is the moral of Thoreau's story about his fishing with John Field?

1. In what way are the following qualities of Walden Pond symbolic of human qualities for which Thoreau thinks we should strive? Its depth and the purity of its water Its colors, blue and green, and its position between land and sky Its role as "earth's eye" The pond as a mirror

1. Thoreau describes the village of Concord as "a great news room". Given his comments on the next couple of pages, how much news does Thoreau seem to think we need?

2. According to his comments in this chapter, was Thoreau lonely at the pond? Why or why not?

"Reading" 1. How much and what kind of reading do most people consider enough? How much and what kind would Thoreau think is enough, and why? Give examples.

1. Thoreau complains, "Our life is frittered away by detail." What do you think he means by this? Give examples from your life.

6. Thoreau complains that most people live a life of hard work without questioning it. Why do they do this?

4. Thoreau says that some of his young fellow townsmen have had the misfortune to inherit a farm, a house, or other livestock and equipment. most people would think that inheriting such things would be good. Why does Thoreau think that it is bad? Do you agree? Why or why not?

This blog will serve as the Response Journal for Walden and Other Writings as we read it for Mr. Lundberg's IB English IV class during the second 6-weeks of the 2017-2018 Fall Semester.