He emphasizes the possibilities for spiritual change, regeneration, and new growth.Henry David Thoreau began writing nature poetry in the 1840s, with poet Ralph Waldo Emerson as a mentor and friend. He posits that when humans embrace their natural selves, they free themselves from the unsatisfying strictures of civilization. Amidst the vibrant renewal of spring, he reflects on the importance of forging one’s own independent path in life. Departing from Walden Pond, Thoreau considers all he has learned. Over the course of Walden, Thoreau poetically contemplates the beauty and mystery of the pond, framing it as a metaphor for the depth and resilience of the human spirit and observing the ways it changes and adapts through the seasons. He also notes signs of human encroachment upon the environment, from the wailing of the Fitchburg Railroad to the gunshots from a local military training post. He often compares them to humans, hoping to gain some insight into their natural behavior. Thoreau finds great peace observing animals in the woods. Generally speaking, he is more satisfied by his communion with nature on Walden Pond and sometimes dismayed by his human encounters. From time to time, Thoreau ventures into Concord to converse with the locals. Thoreau occasionally encounters others in the woods, including the woodsman Alex Therien-who fascinates Thoreau with his “animalistic” perspective-and Irish immigrant John Field-whom Thoreau harshly criticizes for living an impoverished existence, slavishly pursuing luxuries. When people renounce these comforts, Thoreau believes they will find much deeper, spiritual nourishment. Offering examples from his own minimalistic “entertaining” habits with visitors, Thoreau illustrates that people can be reconditioned to set aside material comforts. He stresses that humans do not need the rich foods and luxury items they have been taught to crave. Thoreau advocates for a simple, primarily plant-based diet. Hoping to demonstrate that it is possible to live well with very little money, he provides a painstaking account of everything he spends. Instead of purchasing food, he forages in the woods and grows beans and vegetables. Instead of renting, he builds his own home. Thoreau resists this life by casting aside all unnecessary luxuries. He believes that most men spend their lives in a state of “quiet desperation” (14), numbly toiling away just to pay for their food and homes. He explains that capitalism hypnotizes men into pursuing empty status symbols and fleeting pleasures that remove them from their most natural state. Thoreau worries that working men have surrendered their personal autonomy to the demands of a capitalist society.

Walden thoreau