Use Of Imagery In Walden

Ariel Rosales

August 09, 2023

AP English

Johnson

Walden Henry David Thoreau, in the novel “Walden” (1854), claimed that by simplifying one’s life one could gain a deeper connection with the world around them, finding the meaning of life. Supporting his desired message, the novel introduces imagery to allow the readers to gain a visual on what Thoreau experiences while living a self-reliant life. The author uses imagery to persuade the reader that decreasing distractions would allow one to live a simple and efficient life. Thoreau uses a condescending tone through logos delivering his view on decreasing needs in life to man and is trusted because he is a man who speaks from experiences leaving the reader trusting of him because he appears

In the chapter, “The Village” Thoreau begins to explain how he occasionally goes into the nearby village ‘every day or two’ and uses imagery for the readers to view how he sees the neighbors and village along with the way they gossip. “. . . and after learning the kernels and very last sieverful of news–what had subsided, the prospects of war and peace, and whether the world was likely to hold together much longer–-I was let out through the rear avenues, and so escaped to the woods again.” (Walden pg 82). Additionally, he states that “I am convinced that if all men were to live as simply as I then did, thieving and robbery would be unknown.” (Walden pg 84). He believes that the only individuals who interfered with him were representatives of the government, and how if people were to live a secluded and simple life there would be no worries to fasten his door night or day or worry about those troubles. This illustrates how Thoreau uses imagery along with ethos to explain his beliefs with how he views his lifestyle and the people around

In chapter “On the Duty of Civil Disobedience” Thoreau expresses his opinion on how he views the government, “I heartily accept the motto, --- ‘That government is best which governs least’; and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe, --- ‘That government is best which governs not at all’; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.” (Walden pg 165). This portrays how Thoreau uses logos to elucidate how he views his government as well as the people who follow it, doubting the effectiveness to reform from within, creating a government to be devoted