ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

AMERICAN LITERATURE

ELIZABETHAN ERA

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Why does Henry David Thoreau write his book “Walden”?
A
To show ideas of transcendentalism are put into action
B
To critique slavery
C
Tell his entire life story
D
None of the above
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -In his essay Walden, Thoreau affirms the Transcendentalist belief of living simply by emphasizing the thought of living with only the essentials and the importance of self reliance . Thoreau supports the ideal of living simply through the emphasis of only living with what one needs.

Detailed explanation-2: -He began writing Walden in 1846 as a lecture in response to the questions of townspeople who were curious about what he was doing out at the pond, but his notes soon grew into his second book. Thoreau stayed in the house at Walden Pond for two years, from July 1845 to September 1847.

Detailed explanation-3: -Thoreau held the concept of the immanence of God in nature and in man. Walden recapitulates the universe in miniature. Here we find that individuality of a human being can at once be self – asserting and self – transcending. The individual is represented in this work as a unique, independent being.

Detailed explanation-4: -Transcendentalists valued individualism and self-reliance Henry David Thoreau and Margaret Fuller were among the principals of the movement. The Transcendentalists believed there is a divine spirit in nature and in every living soul. Through individualism and self-reliance human beings could reunite with God.

Detailed explanation-5: -The main idea of “Walden” by Henry David Thoreau is to find the meaning of life. He set out to contemplate life and himself and to find out man’s role in the world.

There is 1 question to complete.