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Examples Of Intellectualism In The French Canadian Woodsman

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Comment on the imagery he employs in this chapter that blurs the lines between people and nature.
Thoreau employs imagery that blurs the lines between people and nature as he believes nature to be his friend. Essentially, Thoreau asserts nature is his companion personifying natural objects as an individual would normally have a human as a companion rather than nature. It demonstrates a parallel between nature and people, thus, blurring the line. Thoreau writes, ¨Every little pine needle expanded and swelled with sympathy and befriended me. I was so distinctly made aware of the presence of something kindred to me, even in scenes which we are accustomed to call wild and dreary, and also that the nearest of blood to …show more content…

Explain.
The French- Canadian woodsman further illustrate Thoreau 's opinion of intellectualism and spiritualism because he embodies the average man. Thoreau believes the average man is one who works diligently to ensure the success of his business and to support a lavish lifestyle, full of futile posessions. A man then becomes enslaves to his posessions and work hindering their ability to become spiritualy awaken and utilize their intellect. The French- Canadian woodsman affirms Thoreaus belief as he is uneducated and finds it diffult to grow spirituly.
What does this man represent to Thoreau?
Throeau believes the French-Canadian woodsman represents the majority of men as well as a pure animal spirit. The absence of his intellectual and spiritual being embodies Thoreaus belief that the common working mans intellect is supressed by their enslavment to their property and work. Thier ability to spiriutal awaken is also restricted, a result of the need to work to support their lavish life style. Thoreau also believes that the French- Canadian woodsman represents an ¨animal spirit¨ thus affirming the connection a man has to nature. Thoreau describes, ¨Such an exuberance of animal spirits had he that he sometimes tumbled down and rolled on the ground with laughter at anything which made him think and tickled him. ¨ (Walden, 73). Thoreau uses the term ¨animal spirit to describe his new acquintance, the French- Canadian woodsman. Moreover, despite the difficulties in awakening the French- Canadian woodsman he can also represent the posibily in bringing about the intellect and spirit in all

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