... burden, " and how they can be used to "carry some portion of our thoughts" (893). While his writing may seem to describe human nature to a point at which most can understand, Thoreau also defines the nonhuman aspects of nature. Throughout Walden, Thoreau pays great attention to his surroundings at the pond, admiring the small details of the forest with an expert eye. Thoreau includes passages that describe ... the raw knowledge than comforting lies hidden in life (917). By subtly giving his advice to others, Walden serves as a do-it-yourself guide to the simple life. The book, "Walden,"...

• Word Count: 1019
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... particular disturbed some readers: "First, by what one reviewer called "Pantheistic egoism" or an unchristian outlook bothered them. Passages such as: "It is necessary not to be Christian to appreciate the beauty and significance of the life of Christ," were offensive to Christian readers. The second problem concerned digressions. Poet and critic James Russell Lowell complained in the Massachusetts Quarterly Review: ... is not completely detached (Schneider 47-48)." Thoreau tells us that his purpose in writing the book was to answer questions about his own life, and as Schneider tells u...

• Word Count: 2638
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School