ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Simplicity: Simplicity seems to be Thoreau’s model for life. Throughout the book, Thoreau constantly seeks to simplify his lifestyle: he patches his clothes rather than buy new ones, he minimizes his consumer activity, and relies on leisure time and on himself for everything.

Detailed explanation-2: -Solitude and Society On one hand, his purpose in going to Walden, where he stayed for more than two years, is to be alone, so he can “transact some private business.” The book is for the most part a record of a man’s time spent in solitude, and the reflections he has in that state. He stresses the importance…

Detailed explanation-3: -The key theme that emerges continually is that of simplicity with the additional theme being that of freedom. Thoreau finds himself surrounded by a world that has no true freedom or simplified ways, with people committed to the world that surrounds them rather than being committed to their own true self within nature.

Detailed explanation-4: -Walden is, above all, the account of Thoreau’s own exploration of his capabilities and his search for spiritual understanding. Thoreau recounts his personal quest to demonstrate to his readers the possibility of surmounting the obstacles that materialistic society places in the path of the individual.

Detailed explanation-5: -In order to experience spiritual truth, one must spend one’s days as deliberately as nature. Thoreau emphasizes that men, especially his readers, can change their lives and awaken to the profound possibilities of everyday life if they emulate nature.