Walden is one of those rare books that takes a lifetime to read.  One  of the reasons I asked you to buy the book even though we’re not reading much of it is that I think everyone with any interest in American literature, history, philosophy, nature writing, and the environment should own a copy.

It would take a week or two fully to discuss even the short selections I have assigned.  You will probably want to read much of "Economy" anyway, and certainly all of "The Bean-Field" and "Conclusion."  IN ADDITION, PLEASE ALSO READ THE FIRST SIX PARAGRAPHS OF "WHERE I LIVED . . ."

Below are the passages we will look at, along with some suggestions for thinking.  People will have different texts, so I identify them by opening and closing words, not pages.

"Economy"
 

Paragraph 4:  Thoreau’s vision of farming here?  What are the Augean stables?

Second break in the text:  10-12 pp. further on:  from "If I should attempt . . ." to the next break, about 13 paragraphs, ending "face of the earth.."  Explore the register of work, jobs, and business in this section.  What kind of "economy" does HDT advocate or assume?

Much further on:  paragraph surrounding figures showing income of $23.44, outgo of $14.72 1/2, and profits of $8.71 1/2.  Explain last clause:  "I believe that I was doing better than any farmer in Concord did that year."

"Where I Lived  . . ."
 

First 6 paragraphs:  HDT, property, ownership, farming.

"The Bean-Field"
 

Paragraph 1:  Note the questions HDT raises.

Paragraph 4 ("Before yet any woodchuck . . .")  How does HDT begin to answer the questions from paragraph 1?

Paragraph 6:  Focus on sentence 4:  "It was no longer. . ." What has happened?

Paragraphs 8 and 9 ("It was a singular experience . . ."):   What does HDT mean by knowledge here?  How is it related to "tropes and expressions"?

Paragraphs 12-end:  More about knowledge; the products of HDT’s garden; answers to opening questions?
 

First two paragraphs:  HDT on exploring.

Paragraphs 5-7 ("It is a ridiculous demand . . ."):  HDT on the obligations of the writer and thinker.  (Dangerous words for student writers!)

Last 2 paragraphs:  How does HDT leave us?