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0This annotated version of Henry David Thoreau's Walden provides comprehensive context to his experiment in simple living. It includes acknowledgements of previous Walden scholars, and insight into Thoreau's motivations, including influences such as Emerson. The text explores themes of self-reliance, economy, and the critique of societal norms through detailed annotations which clarify historical, literary, and philosophical references. It also provides information related to Thoreau's daily life including observations about local Concord inhabitants, nature, and reflections on the value of simplicity and introspection. These annotations unpack Thoreau's complex arguments, giving modern readers a deeper understanding of his masterpiece and the transcendentalist movement.
Timeline of Events in "Walden" Excerpts
- Before 1841: Thoreau's clothes were made by Mary Minot.
- April 1841 - May 1843: Thoreau lived in Ralph Waldo Emerson's household, working for room and board.
- 1845 October: Emerson paid Thoreau for building a drain and laying a cellar floor.
- Approx. 15 Years Before Writing (ca. 1830s): Thoreau collected sand from Goose Pond for sandpaper. Pitch-pine of the yellow-pine type was still visible.
- 1846-1847: Ice-men were at work on Walden Pond.
- Summer 1847: Thoreau cultivates a bean field, records expenses and income.
- September 1848: Ice that had not melted from the previous winter completely melted from Walden Pond.
- During the Writing of Walden: Thoreau lives in a self-built house near Walden Pond, engaging in simple living, self-sufficiency, and observation of nature. He reflects on economy, solitude, visitors, the bean-field, higher laws, and winter.
- 1851: Mention of the "Wyman" case in connection to the use of Tobacco.
- December 28, 1853: Conversation between Thoreau and someone else.
Cast of Characters (Principal People Mentioned)
- Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862): The author of "Walden." An American essayist, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, and surveyor. He lived in a self-built cabin near Walden Pond for over two years to experience simple living and self-sufficiency.
- Mary Minot: A village tailoress who made clothes for Thoreau in his youth. Described as a "stern, business-like woman."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882): American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, abolitionist, and poet who led the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. Thoreau lived and worked in his household for a time and was heavily influenced by him.
- Mr. Colman: Person who reported on gentlemen farmer experiments.
- John Farmer: A symbolic figure used by Thoreau to represent the common man and his potential for higher thinking.
- Alek Therien: A Canadian woodchopper encountered by Thoreau, embodying a simple, robust lifestyle close to nature.
- William Gilpin (1724-1804): English cleric, schoolmaster and artist, and one of the originators of the picturesque movement.
- Peter Waldo (d. 1218): Founded the sect of religious dissenters, the Waldensians.
- Bias: Ancient Greek sage
- Sir Kenelm Digby: Attracted vital spirits from the air.
- Thseng-tseu: Says "The soul not being mistress of herself, one looks, and one does not see; one listens, and one does not hear".
- Con-fut-see: A three sentence that might fetch a state about again.
- Robin Goodfellow: Peeping in at every cottage window, inspiring lunatics, and tainting meats, and making darkness visible.
- Goody Blake: requires still a few sticks from the forest to warm them and cook their food.
- Harry Gill: requires still a few sticks from the forest to warm them and cook their food.
- Samuel Swan: Surveying.
- George Melvin: Concord trapper
