Would Walden have been a better book if Thoreau had supplied more background information on his life
After thoroughly examining Henry David’s Book, Walden, I have come to the conclusion that he contradicted himself the entire novel. From what I had read, and hearing Mr North’s examination of each chapter, there it a lot of hypocrisy and contradiction. Throughout most of the narrative, a question forms “ why did he write this book? What was the Point?” These questions form because of the differences that he gives with examples and stories. His explanations are just as perplexing, as they do not relate to the chronicle or theme previously stated.
As noted above, Walden is a book that did terrible in it’s time. Not many people read it, and the people that did read it, did not enjoy the book. One of these reasons is because of the contradiction and confusion created in the novel. He contradicts himself many times and there is a lot of hypocrisy. For example, he was strongly against the division of labor. He expressed his separation from it. However, this is almost the exact opposite. He was completely dependent on it. Every aspect he wrote about in the publication some how related to it. He built his house on someone else’s land. He used tools that he bought. He even bought commodities in the town he was near. Not only was he relying on the division, he was helping it.
Henry David never gave much information around the background of his life, even though this is supposed to be an autobiography. Without this crucial information, each story can become very confusing and bewildering . This could be a reason that no one is reading the novel. Without the knowledge of his background, the stories can become strange and empty. Although some of the stories and theories are interesting, without the bumf of his early life, they lack what other writers have. Many writers include background to the books, so every story has a meaning and can relate back to their beginnings. For example, if someone fished as a child, and they became a fisherman when they grew up, that would make sense. However, if this was not explained, it could leave the reader wondering why they became a fisherman.
Another problem pointed out frequently is the fact that he doesn’t follow through on his own ideas and stories. He states his opinions crystal clear, but he does not follow them. He stated everyone should be independent to the division of labor, however he was very dependent on it. He bought seeds and hired men to work a farm for him. This is one of the least independent things he could have done. Instead of doing it himself, he hired people to do it for him. In addition, when he went back home to live with this mother, he took over the family pencil making business. Henry’s view of his life was very twisted and far from veracity.
Walden was a confusing book with lots of contradiction. From how he twisted his life to sound independent, to not following through with his theories and ideas. He contradicted himself too much and the book failed. He also included almost no background information on his life, and some of the stories and narratives were very perplexing and mind twisting
JBSchool 