In a Dark Time … The Eye Begins to See

Thoreau’s discussion of “The Village” goes a long ways toward explaining why he retired to the woods and to Walden Pond: Every day or two I strolled to the village to hear some of the gossip which is incessantly going on there, circulating either from mouth to mouth, or from newspaper to newspaper, and which, taken [...]

Acting a little like the Pied Piper of Hamlin, Thoreau sits in the middle of Walden Pond playing the flute: In warm evenings I frequently sat in the boat playing the flute, and saw the perch, which I seem to have charmed, hovering around me, and the moon travelling over the ribbed bottom, which was strewed [...]

:: Walden, chapter 10, Baker Farm :: Confessions over a chile relleno or You sorry, elitist SOB… Loren and I had lunch yesterday with a group of teacher friends who between mouthfuls of enchiladas and chile rellenos discussed this web site and the current analysis of Walden. Loren and I both confessed to some guilt over our growing [...]

Thoreau’s puritanical background becomes even clearer in the chapter entitled “Higher Laws.” It begins with a confession of an attraction to his “wild side:” I found in myself, and still find, an instinct toward a higher, or, as it is named, spiritual life, as do most men, and another toward a primitive rank and savage one, [...]