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"Walden's False Bottoms", 2002.
This paper reviews Walter Benn Michaels? essay "Walden's False Bottoms", which raises issues about Thoreau's book ?Walden?.
1,295 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
The paper evaluates Michaels? essay which looks closely at the meaning around the image Thoreau offers of searching for the bottom of the pond without knowing for certain if there was a bottom, since many thought the pond to be bottomless: Michaels finds that Thoreau was a bit muddy on the meaning of pond bottoms.This paper states that Michaels says that the idea of Nature for Thoreau excludes humanity, though this also runs counter to what Thoreau often says. The author believes that the analysis offered by Michaels is convoluted: At best, what he finds might be considered an unconscious reflection of the way Thoreau relates to his search for meaning, but it is not an image that really speaks to the reader or that unifies the work around a central theme as Michaels wants it to do.
From the Paper
"Thoreau begins his account of Walden Pond by noting that he is writing in answer to many people who have questioned him about his two-year stay at Walden Pond which otherwise he would not present as a burden to the reader. Thoreau makes it clear from the beginning that he has learned much about life by his stay at Walden Pond and that he will convey what he has learned to his readers. The life he lived in the woods contrasted sharply with the life he saw other men living in towns, young men who had had the misfortune to inherit farms, houses, cattle, and farming tools. Most men, he says, are too occupied with the cares imposed by such ownership that they have no time to be anything other than machines. What Thoreau sees as necessary is to examine life and see what is the true necessaries and means of life, and doing this shows that human beings may seem to have chosen the life they lead, but in fact have done so only because they honestly believe there is no other choice open to them. Thoreau defines "necessary of life" as what is so important we cannot do without it."
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Thoreau's ?Walden?, 2002.
A discussion of transcendentalism in Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" and other works.
1,676 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the life and philosophy of Henry David Thoreau, known as one of the founders of transcendentalism. It focuses on his book "Walden" which is based on his two-year stint at Walden Pond, his own experiment on creating a utopian world. It evaluates how "Walden" is a much a treatise on philosophy as it is on nature and how the opening chapter, "Economy," reveals much about Thoreau, including his feelings about life, how people lived at the time and even his opposition to slavery. It shows how Thoreau's experiment at Walden was in part the very foundation of transcendentalism and how he grew even more in tune with the natural world around him and certainly looked deeply inside himself to discover his core beliefs and spirituality.
From the Paper
"As Thoreau spent time at Walden, he also looked at his time as a business enterprise. He hoped to sell ice from the pond in the wintertime, while growing his own crops in the summer. Indeed, after his first summer growing season, he sold "nine bushels and twelve quarts of beans" in town, making a small profit on his investment in seed and tools (Thoreau 147). Of course, the main reason he retired to Walden was to live with nature, contemplate himself and the world around him, and learn more about himself. He managed to do all these things, while strengthening his wonder in the natural world, and its importance in our society. Even in 1845, people were moving farther away from nature, and Thoreau felt this was wrong ? people needed to spend more time with nature, not less."
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"Walden" by Thoreau, 2005.
An explication of an extract taken from Chapter 2 of "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau.
5,471 words (approx. 21.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 134.95
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Abstract
This paper studies a passage taken from the second chapter "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau and looks at how it is in a way emblematic of Thoreau's work. The paper illustrates how "Walden" can be considered an intense reading experience and examines how Thoreau's plea for simplicity leads us to consider true reality as the very object of Thoreau's quest.
From the Paper
"Movement and stability, for we are mainly dealing with Life itself, go along with one natural element in particular - water, the imagery of which is much developed in the second paragraph of our text. Psychology would surely see a feminine figure here and interpret it as the representation of Mother Nature, after all Walden Pond is a big expanse of...water located in the center of Thoreau's life. In this respect, M. Granger explains in his book Henry David Thoreau: "La relation avec les femmes lui etant impossible, on peut se demander dans quelle mesure la frequentation assidue et l'observation passionnee de la Mere-Nature n'ont pas constitue une sublimation compensatrice, le reconfort d'un domaine de substitution aisement amenageable par l'imaginaire." (p.27-28) Nature is clearly an intrinsic part of Thoreau's way of writing and literature."
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Walden and the Environment, 2005.
This paper discusses the environment and in particular water, using "Walden" by Thoreau.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 3 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This essay makes a comparison between Thoreau's Walden and a lecture series on how water was critical to the industrial revolution. The writer discusses that in both instances, water seems to operate as a life force rejuvenating the human spirit, such as is the case with Walden and offering a look at limitless potential especially as part of the industrial revolution. The paper also offers a viewpoint of water uplifting the human spirit and making the soul feel revitalized.
From the Paper
""When I wrote the following pages, or rather the bulk of them, I lived alone, in the woods...". Thoreau continues the opening of his essay, Walden, by letting the reader know he has spent the previous two years at his cabin near Walden Pond. The pond is located in Concord, Massachusetts where Thoreau spent time living a simple life relying on no one. He makes it clear to the reader that this period of time has ended and he has rejoined civilization. He describes his project within the first section and lists his motivations for the move to the cabin. Anticipating the skepticism that the people of the town will heap his direction, he states his views as society not being the only place to live."
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?Walden Two?, 2002.
A discussion of ?Walden Two?, B.F. Skinner?s idealization of the perfect society.
969 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the book ?Walden Two? by B.F. Skinner, about the perfect society in which strife and conflict do not exist. It shows how by using behavioral technology, the creator of this Utopia, T.E. Frazier, eliminates societal problems such as greed, envy and anger, to name a few. It examines how Frazier faithfully utilizes the tenants of operant conditioning in every aspect of the resident?s lives. Nothing is left to chance; from the organization of childcare and education to the design of the tea service. It analyzes how every aspect of life in Walden Two is examined and designed for optimum performance.
From the Paper
"On the surface, Walden Two appears to be the perfect solution to the glaring problems within our society. The residents adhere to the doctrine of Walden Two with a cult-like devotion. The atmosphere of cooperative living is sustained by the community dining and sleeping facilities, normalized education and the standardized mode of dress. Walden Two attempts to make everything easier for it?s occupants and, in essence, removes spontaneity and originality. For example, all meals are taken in a community dining area. The residents of Walden Two are on staggered shifts due to the fact that no one exists on a typical, nine to five workday. Because each individual is only required to work approximately four hours per day doing activities of his or her choice, the individual can set their own schedules."
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?Walden?, 2002.
A paper exploring selected passages from Thoreau?s book ?Walden? and discussing if and how they are relevant in today?s world.
1,227 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, $ 41.95
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Abstract
Henry David Thoreau told the tale of his experiment of simple living at Walden Pond in his book "Walden". In the book, Thoreau outlined his philosophy of life, politics and economy and in the process became a great American writer. The paper examines whether his book is relevant to contemporary American society.
From the Paper
"Thoreau is saying that we have to continue to seek self-knowledge, to be students of the world around us, and with an effort we can succeed. Here in the year 2003 people have to fight that much harder to focus on self-discovery because of the amount of easy distractions available to us today. Unfortunately ready access to these distractions allows most to go through life experiencing the world through the eyes of somebody else?s view, i.e. the television camera, or Internet site. Too often we allow ourselves to be spoon-feed ?knowledge? instead of being diligent in the pursuit of true meaning in life on our own. Thoreau would probably be shocked at how much we shower accolades and impart respect and status on people who have done little more to earn it then appear in a movie and make a lot of money doing it. While he might be shocked he would probably also find it a familiar echo from his own time where-in people were given a measure of respect simply because they inherited some wealth."
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Walden International, 2006.
An overview of Walden International's acquisition of Able Corporation and the problems the Able Corporation is facing.
1,178 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Walden International's acquisition of Able Corporation and examines the trouble Able Corporation is facing because of the lack of investments in the company. The paper first points out the strengths that are an asset to Able Corporation and the weaknesses that undermine the company. Next, the paper discusses the opportunities that are advantage to Able Corporation and the threats that might lead to the downfall of the company. In discussing these issues, the paper also points out strategies that might help guide Able Corporation through the difficult process of re-building their business.
From the Paper
"In 2001 Able Corporation was leading the electronics industry by 60%. Today that number has dropped to 3%. This dramatic drop off in business in the past 3 years is of great concern. The most prominent reason for this decline in business is that investors stopped supporting Able Corporation. There are many reasons that investors stopped supporting Able Corporation. One reason for this sudden withdrawal from investors is because Able Corporation's products became stale and outdated. In addition, the operations became inefficient and costly. In fact, there have been significant net operating losses over the last four years. Another problem that Able Corporation has experienced is that a new president took over at the company two years ago. Under the leadership of this new president the development of new, poorly constructed business strategies has been implemented."
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"Walden", 2002.
This paper discusses the major themes in David Thoreau's " Walden".
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 6 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
The paper examines Thoreau's theories of society and spirituality as put forth in this book. The author reviews themes of spiritual awakening, nature and society.
From the Paper
"If there are contradictions and conflicts between man and nature, this is mirrored by another of Thoreau?s major themes: the dialectical struggle between the spiritual and animal within man. Thoreau sees two struggling aspects in human beings ? the first being a wild, untamed animal nature and the other a spiritual nature. Within himself, Thoreau experienced the former through his carnivorous desire to eat a woodchuck raw, despite his vegetarian regime. Thoreau attempts to refine away these impulses through avoidance of meat and animalistic desires, and he represents this internal struggle through the imagined conversation between the poet representing animal desires and the hermit representing spirituality.
This form of dialectic is played out in the relationship Thoreau has with nature, and his sensitivity to this relationship grows as his ?isolation? amidst nature become more profound. For Thoreau, seeing in himself the changes Walden pond has brought about, nature is a reflection of human emotions, a mirror held up to mankind?s spiritual state. One important way in which this comes about is through the weather and seasons. Thoreau experiences a period of depression and doubt during the winter when nature is silenced, that is counterbalanced by his joy and awakening at the thawing of the lake and profusion of growth in the spring. For Thoreau, these changes serve to prove humanity?s dependency on, and profound relationship with, nature.
Yet it is not only nature in itself that Thoreau sought, but also the solitude to explore within. Though fascinated by nature around Walden Pond, Thoreau?s primary aim was to profoundly consider himself. For Thoreau, social change one individual at a time is possible, although the self-reflection necessary is rare. Nature, and the recognition of the divine and God?s creations within it, is also just a tool for humans to recognize the divine within themselves and to reach spiritual awakening. Modern society isolates humans from this relationship, but it is a connection that can be re-established. Thoreau uses the idea of reconnection and especially rebirth repeatedly, and encourages readers to undergo a similar reevaluation of their relationship with nature and place in the world. That this rebirth is possible is witnessed in nature by its cyclical patterns, and the seasonal patterns of summer, fall, winter and then spring serving as a promise of spiritual rebirth. Thoreau describes a boy who starts as a hunter who grows up to be a naturalist, pointing to the possibility that humans can reach a more profound understanding of themselves. This rebirth can be briefer than Thoreau?s two-year sojourn, or he promise can lie dormant indefinitely. Thoreau concludes the book with the tale of the bug which lies unhatched for decades, before eventually emerging from the table. Human society, he appears to be saying, has the potential for such eventual awakening as well. For
?perhaps the main theme and overbearing concept that Thoreau wishes to convey to us both in the conclusion and throughout Walden is that we must recognize the great power and potential for new discovery and enjoyment in our minds.?
Linked to the need to return to nature in order to achieve spiritual renewal, the idea of Spartan simplicity is key in this awakening. From the very first chapter, entitled "Economy," Thoreau states that nature afforded him the chance to discover what was truly essential in life. In perhaps one of his most famous quotes, he states that he "went to the woods to live deliberately." In other words, to lead a considered existence, aware of the path his life was leading and refusing to allow it to pass by without careful study and reflection. The simplicity of life in Walden, without amenities or anything that could not be grown or gathered nearby, Thoreau is able to cast off the unnecessary trappings of modern life and discover what is truly necessary in order to live in a spiritually awakened manner. To his reader, Thoreau insists, "Simplicity! Simplicity! Simplicity!" He discovers that physical sustenance requires little work and this leaves the bulk of the day aside for spiritual and intellectual pursuits. The meagerness of the essentials necessary for a fulfilled life is liberating for Thoreau, who sees the possibility for profound happiness in a simple and materially poor existence. He provides an interesting accounting of the extent of this simplicity- he builds his cabin for the cost of $28. 12 and lives there for two years, beginning in the summer of 1845. Making a profit of $8.71 by selling the beans he grew and working occasionally performing odd jobs, Thoreau was able to support himself with very little labor and had tremendous amounts of time for contemplation of himself and the natural world around him."
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"Nature" and "Walden" Compared, 2006.
Compares and contrasts these two works relating to Transcendentalism by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
2,474 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
Thoreau and Emerson were authors who expressed fundamentals of Transcendentalism in two writings; specifically, "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau and "Nature" by Ralph Waldo Emerson. The paper shows that
"Walden" and "Nature" contain very similar elements, along with very visible differences. This essay compares and contrasts the two works.
It analyzes three sections from each work and compares them to the author's personal experiences with nature.
From the Paper
"When thinking about a description of nature what does a person see? Some people may see massive redwood forests in Washington, New Yorkers may visualize Central Park, and people from Kansas see rolling hills drowning in prairie grass. What were Ralph Waldo Emerson's views on nature? Emerson does not have a concrete vision of beauty, which is another reason his work is more difficult to read than Thoreau's. An example of an abstract description of nature is, "From the earth, as a shore, I look out into that silent sea" (Emerson 80.)"
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Walden and Resistance to Civil Government, 2005.
A review of Henry David Thoreau's writings regarding human reliance on government.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
While Henry David Thoreau's Walden and Resistance to Civil Government is frequently categorized as Thoreau's effort to escape from the confining nature of social interaction, it is usually overlooked that one of the major themes in his work was his opposition to reliance on government. This paper contextualizes Thoreau's writings with the example of Joseph and Valerie Wilson.
From the Paper
"While Henry David Thoreau's Walden and Resistance to Civil Government is frequently categorized as Thoreau's effort to escape from the confining nature of social interaction, it is usually overlooked that one of the major themes in his work was his opposition to reliance on government. Thoreau did not find anything wrong with the American government in and of itself: he stressed in Walden that the ideals present within a democratic society are exceptional and a testament to the efforts of humankind. In contrast, however, Thoreau emphasizes that the government should never replace human interaction, or serve as a substitute. This is because government is incapable of helping human beings. Only human beings are responsible for helping human beings."
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"Moby Dick" ( Herman Melville ) and "Walden" ( Henry Thoreau ), 1992.
Compares the theme of nature: Thoreau's positive vs. Melville's negative treatment.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, $ 55.95
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From the Paper
"GENERAL VIEW
This essay compares the theme of nature as found in Walden by Henry David Thoreau and Moby Dick by Herman Melville. Essentially, Thoreau's conception of nature fits the more positive and optimistic pattern of transcendentalism. Conversely, Melville's approach to nature is darker and more negative. Melville's Moby Dick reflects a universe with considerable Old Testament severity and justice.
Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson both share the transcendentalist philosophy. They are very much alike in that respect. On the other hand, Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne are very similar with regard to their vision of evil. Melville's view of the universe is far more existential than is Thoreau's.
It is interesting that Emerson's positive view of the ..."
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Skinner's " Walden Two", 1987.
Critical review of fictional application of behavioral principles to a small ideal community. Discusses child rearing, education, marriage, work and government.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, $ 55.95
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From the Paper
" The design of B.F. Skinner?s imaginary utopia, Walden Two, is based on the principles of behavioral engineering perceptible in 1945. Incorporating knowledge of natural human tendencies, these principles uphold the use of positive reinforcement, rules requir-ing all members of the community to work, and other Walden Two practices. By presenting guidelines for human management in the context of a functioning community, Skinner encourages readers
to contrast the Walden Two ideal of a workable community with the practices observed in contemporary society.
Many people live today in urban areas where they maintain few close ties to their neighbors and have to guard their personal property from others seeking to gain it through means ranging from
sales pitches to theft. Walden Two is portrayed as a small
community, whose members partake of both work and recreational(...)"
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Henry David Thoreau's "Walden", 1997.
Examines use of metaphors in author's argument for the authentic & fully examined life.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, $ 55.95
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From the Paper
" Walden
Henry David Thoreau, in Walden, states that "I do not propose to write an ode to dejection, but to brag as lustily as chanticleer in the morning, standing on his roost, if only to wake my neighbors up" (69). The fact to which Thoreau wishes to awaken his neighbors is the realization that they have become distracted and alienated from the true meaning of life. In effect, Thoreau wants Walden to operate as an extended metaphor of living according to his realizations during his two years of life in the woods. In the woods, Thoreau discovers what he believes to be the essential elements for living and, in Walden, extends the application of these elements to the whole world. He presents the drama of his own life metaphorically to demonstrate the tensions between himself, nature and town culture. Then, he.."
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Thoreau and Leopold, 2002.
A paper contrasting and comparing Aldo Leopold's 'Sand County Almanac' and Henry David Thoreau's 'Walden'.
2,751 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 82.95
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Abstract
The following paper discusses the differences and similarities in the views of nature preservationists Aldo Leopold and Henry David Thoreau as presented in their works 'A Sand County Almanac' and 'Walden'. The writer focuses on five key areas-- human spirituality in nature, technology and progress, descriptions of nature, the market economy and humans' interaction with and place within nature.
From the Paper
"Writing as far as 103 years apart, Henry David Thoreau and Aldo Leopold have differing views on some issues while both essentially remaining preservationists. The century that separated Thoreau and Leopold saw the closing of the western frontier in 1890 as well as rapid modernization. These changes affected the ways in which the two nature writers viewed the world around them as well as the relations between humankind and nature. The five main areas which Thoreau and Leopold explore throughout Walden and A Sand County Almanac are, human spirituality in nature, technology and progress, descriptions of nature, the market economy and humans' interaction with and place within nature. Both authors discuss each of these areas throughout their books and the differences and similarities in their opinions on each of these subjects reveals much about each nature writer's historical context, time period and his personal beliefs."
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Literary Movements, 2008.
A comparative analysis of "An Outpost of Progress" by Joseph Conrad, "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau and "The Dead" by James Joyce.
2,013 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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This paper compares and contrasts the differences and the similarities of three stories under the light of different critical literary movements: "An Outpost of Progress" by Joseph Conrad, "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau and "The Dead" by James Joyce. The literary movements examined are realism, naturalism, romanticism, modernism and transcendentalism. More specifically, the paper looks at how James Joyce and Joseph Conrad are realists, modernists and naturalists because their stories have fidelity to the truth, they depict modern issues and both believe that nature has effects on people's behaviors. The paper also shows how, on the other hand, Henry David Thoreau is not a realist but a romantic because he believes in individualism and is also a transcendentalist who believes in the openness of the human mind.
From the Paper
"Conrad is strictly bound to reality. He criticizes the idea of imperialism and the western people's idea of bringing civilization to other parts of the world when the west itself needs to be civilized. The term Realism is also used to describe works of art which, in revealing a truth, may emphasize the ugly or sordid. The slavery, exchanging human beings with material things, murdering, and hatred are all seen in "An Outpost of Progress" These are the facts of Conrad's day and he indicates these in his narrating brilliantly. The following quotation is about the exchange of black men for some ivory and it clearly shows that Conrad is a sincere critique of his time towards the institutions and beliefs such as the white men's superiority to the black men."
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