[Aijalon Chin-Onak]

In “Conclusion,” Thoreau describes his over all experience he had living near Walden Pond and what he had learned with his experience.  He had learned that it is more important to be an individual, because in a large society the good nature becomes diluted the drama and selfish acts. Thoreau had learned, “that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he imagined, he will meet a success in a matter of hours,” (358).  Thoreau vies the journey to success as an individualized journey, where determination and knowing oneself goes much further.

Thoreau strongly stresses the importance of connecting with nature, while also connecting to ones true self. I have learned that as one grows deeper roots into a society, or a large group of people the individual becomes impure. While reading “Bean Field”  stood out to me the most on expressing the importance of working, not for self preservation, but for the discipline of the job. With the stress upon the importance of being an individual I will incorporate some of Thoreau’s ideas into simplifying my life to return to the individual in a pure form.

[Aijalon Chin-Onak]

Thoreau has shown clear preference of nature over society throughout the novel and also shows his preference for simplicity compared to unnecessary complexity within society. In “The Ponds,” Thoreau reveals more about reasons why he distances himself so far from society and his simple interactions with few people. A great example is when he sat with an older man, “. . .not many words were passed between [them]. . .[but] [was] far more pleasing to remember than if it had been carried on by speech,” (247).  Walden’s  ponds, ” [has] a vitreous greenish blue. . . it is well known that a large glass will have a green tint. . but a small piece would be colorless.”(248).  The pond compares with society that when in a large group it can be discolored, but in small concentration it shows purity.

I agree with Hunter because for Thoreau it is more than just a pond, it has higher meaning to him and can help him get away from the complexities of society and have deeper meaning with nature.

[Aijalon Chin-Onak]

In “Bean Field,” Thoreau  describes the difference between working for profit compared to working to better himself. Thoreau holds a strong opinions on how farming helps to create self discipline, as well as gain a new perspective on nature.  The bean field has given Thoreau an endless entertainment that is withing the surrounding nature. He even describes, “[his] hoes [playing] Rans Des Vaches for them [the beans],” (233).  He is able to view his work as musical and entertaining because he is not working for profit, he is not even working to sustain himself because he does not consume the beans. Thoreau farms for the pure joy of the work and to better himself through the touch of nature.

 

I agree with Max because “Bean Field” is all about Thoreau working to better himself as a person by using farming.

[Author]

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