Walden

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1854

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Before You Read

Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-6

Chapters 7-9

Chapters 10-12

Chapters 13-15

Chapters 16-18

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Quiz

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

With its emphasis on self-sufficient living and rugged individualism, Walden aligns with a range of political philosophies. Do you feel Thoreau’s political views connect to any current system of political thought? Why or why not?

Walden is an eclectic mix of forms, including poetry, philosophical musings, local lore and histories, and quotes from a wide range of sources. Why do you think Thoreau combined so many different forms, and how do they converse and interact with one another?

Prominent Chinese and Indian philosophers make repeated appearances throughout the text. Choose at least three significant mentions of Chinese or Indian philosophy and analyze how these philosophies shape the book.