Thoreau uses straightforward and opinionated diction to illuminate his view that simplicity along with substance are the keys to happy and purposeful living and to create a negative tone towards unneeded luxuries. In the opening of this passage, Thoreau presents his thoughts in a clear and direct way when he says, "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life..." (p 80). The blu

When life is reduced to the same patterns and habits day after day, the simple joy of living is lost. The tone presented reflects this idea throughout by showing a animosity towards unoriginal thinking and unnecessary emphasis on frivolous things. Although Thoreau does not expect everyone in modern day society to move to the forest, he does try to present some ideas on society, returning to the simple things in life, and looking to nature for life's necessities in hope that the reader might reevaluate what is important in life.

Structure is used to subtly emphasize Thoreau's main ideas and depict the common way of life in a negative light. Repetition is used when he says, "..error upon error, and clout upon clout..." to create a droning effect (p 81). The repetition of the negative words reiterate what is wrong in common society. The listing of clout in the same repetitive manner right after error creates a picture of endless error and clout in society; one after another. Later in the passage simplicity is repeated. This repetition calls attention to a theme which Thoreau deems very important. The three simplicities are placed tactfully amidst long flowing sentences so as to call more attention to the thought of simplicity. The use of "and" between words is effective in creatin

Some common words found in the essay are:
Living Life, civilized life, sway reader, thousand -and- items, chopping sea, clouds storms quicksands, clouds storms, thousand -and-, external superficial, goes detail, unneeded luxuries, -and- items, error clout,
Approximate Word count = 870
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)