In Walden by Henry David Thoreau
Compare and contrast Thoreau's reason for going to the woods and his reason for leaving them (p. 990). Give lines from the text to support your answer.
Guide On Rating System
Vote
In Walden, Thoreau's reason for going to the woods is driven by his desire for a deeper and more meaningful existence. He seeks to simplify his life, distance himself from societal distractions, and immerse himself in the rhythms of nature. Thoreau writes, "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived" (p. 990). This passage highlights his yearning for a purposeful and intentional life, free from the superficialities and complexities of the modern world.
However, Thoreau eventually decides to leave the woods as he believes he has already garnered the knowledge and experiences he sought. He states, "I left the woods for as good a reason as I went there. Perhaps it seemed to me that I had several more lives to live, and could not spare any more time for that one" (p. 990). This indicates that Thoreau's reason for leaving the woods is rooted in his belief that he has fulfilled his quest for understanding and now desires to explore other aspects of life. The pursuit of additional experiences and the sentiment of limited time motivate his decision to depart from the woods.
Got a question with my answer?
Cheapmath.com is completely free!
Asking question is free.
Getting answers is free.
+99