372 unit 2: american romanticism

from Where I Lived, and What I Lived ForWhen first I took up my abode in the woods, that is, began to spend my nights as well as days there, which, by accident, was on Independence day, or the fourth of July, 1845, my house was not finished for winter, but was merely a defense against the rain, without plastering or chimney, the walls being of rough weather-stained boards, with wide chinks, which made it cool at night. The upright white hewn studs and freshly planed door and window casings gave it a clean and airy look, especially in the morning, when its timbers were saturated with dew, so that I fancied that by noon some sweet gum would exude from them. . . . a

I was seated by the shore of a small pond, about a mile and a half south of the village of Concord and somewhat higher than it, in the midst of an extensive wood between that town and Lincoln, and about two miles south of that our only field known to fame, Concord Battle Ground; but I was so low in the woods that the opposite shore, half a mile off, like the rest, covered with wood, was my most distant horizon. For the first week, whenever I looked out on the pond it impressed me like a tarn high up

WALDENHenry David Thoreau

background Like Ralph Waldo Emerson and other transcendentalists, Thoreau felt a need to affirm his unity with nature. On July 4, 1845, he began an experiment in what he thought of as “essential living”—living simply, studying the natural world, and seeking truth within himself. On land owned by Emerson near Concord, Massachusetts, Thoreau built a small cabin by Walden Pond and lived there for more than two years, writing and studying nature. Walden is the record of his experiences.

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ANALYZE VISUALS Consider the tranquil scene depicted in the photograph on page 373. What aspect of the photograph is most responsible for conveying this sense of tranquility, and why?

a ESSAYThink about Thoreau’s tone as he describes his crude, unfinished house. What sense of the writer’s views or personality do you get from these opening lines?

16 tarn: a small mountain lake or pool.

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Targeted Passage1

differentiated instruction

Practice and ApplysummaryIn these essay excerpts, Thoreau explains that he went to Walden Pond to experience the essentials of life. He describes feeling in tune with nature and being transformed by fol-lowing his personal vision. Anecdotes such as the tale of a bug that hatches after a 60-year dormancy convey Thoreau’s hope for human revival and transcendence.

a essayPossible answer: Thoreau’s tone is admiring (lines 6–9). The reader gets the sense that the essay will show the writer as someone who enjoys a simpler life and wants to share the benefits of simple, purposeful living.If students need help . . . Point out words and phrases with positive connotations, such as abode, freshly planed, clean and airy, and saturated with dew, to help stu-dents identify the tone as admiring.Extend the Discussion On what day does Thoreau move into the house, full-time? What does that fact suggest about his views or personality, even though he calls the date an accident (line 2)?

L I T E R A R Y A N A L Y S I S

for all studentsEnhancing Learning Styles Provide these projects for various learning preferences:• Analytical Prepare and conduct a mock

trial of Thoreau for his refusal to pay taxes.• Verbal/Linguistic Write a poem that is

inspired by Thoreau’s ideas.For further details on these projects, see

RESOURCE MANAGERIdeas for Extension pp. 144–145

for less–proficient readers In combination with the Audio Anthology CD, use one or more Targeted Passages (pp. 372, 376, 379, 382, 387, 388) to ensure that students focus on key concepts in these selections. Targeted passages are also good for English learners.1 Targeted Passage [Lines 1–15]

This passage introduces the setting outisde Concord, Massachusetts where Thoreau’s personal exploration will take place.

372 unit 2 : american romanticism

372 unit 2: american romanticism

from Where I Lived, and What I Lived ForWhen first I took up my abode in the woods, that is, began to spend my nights as well as days there, which, by accident, was on Independence day, or the fourth of July, 1845, my house was not finished for winter, but was merely a defense against the rain, without plastering or chimney, the walls being of rough weather-stained boards, with wide chinks, which made it cool at night. The upright white hewn studs and freshly planed door and window casings gave it a clean and airy look, especially in the morning, when its timbers were saturated with dew, so that I fancied that by noon some sweet gum would exude from them. . . . a

I was seated by the shore of a small pond, about a mile and a half south of the village of Concord and somewhat higher than it, in the midst of an extensive wood between that town and Lincoln, and about two miles south of that our only field known to fame, Concord Battle Ground; but I was so low in the woods that the opposite shore, half a mile off, like the rest, covered with wood, was my most distant horizon. For the first week, whenever I looked out on the pond it impressed me like a tarn high up

WALDENHenry David Thoreau

background Like Ralph Waldo Emerson and other transcendentalists, Thoreau felt a need to affirm his unity with nature. On July 4, 1845, he began an experiment in what he thought of as “essential living”—living simply, studying the natural world, and seeking truth within himself. On land owned by Emerson near Concord, Massachusetts, Thoreau built a small cabin by Walden Pond and lived there for more than two years, writing and studying nature. Walden is the record of his experiences.

10

ANALYZE VISUALS Consider the tranquil scene depicted in the photograph on page 373. What aspect of the photograph is most responsible for conveying this sense of tranquility, and why?

a ESSAYThink about Thoreau’s tone as he describes his crude, unfinished house. What sense of the writer’s views or personality do you get from these opening lines?

16 tarn: a small mountain lake or pool.

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analyze visualsPossible answer: The sense of tranquility is conveyed mainly by the stillness of the pond. The gentle light on the pond and the leafy trees also add to the sense of peace. All of these features suggest a welcoming place where a visitor might rest and contemplate the scene.

backgroundThe Walden Pond Cabin Thoreau’s house was only 10 feet wide and 15 feet long—just large enough for a bed, a table, a desk, and three chairs. To save money on construction, Thoreau bought used windows, boards, and bricks from people whose houses were being torn down. His careful journal shows that the entire cabin cost him $28.12, an extremely low cost even by 1845 standards. The minimal price of construction, the small size of the cabin, and its setting in the woods allowed Thoreau to live up to his ideals of simplicity and appreciation of nature.

• At what time of year does Thoreau begin living in the house?

• How does Thoreau describe his house?• What natural features surround Thoreau in

his new home?

for english learners Prereading For prereading instruction for English learners, see

BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Scaffolding Reading Instruction pp. 43–46

for advanced learners/apAP exercises in the bottom channel provide additional challenge for students. Use these suggestions for small groups or individuals.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINESFor more help with differentiation and tips for classroom management, see

BEST PRACTICES TOOLKITDifferentiated Instruction pp. 31–38

walden 373