Life is a conglomeration of patterns and imitations. Insecurity or simply laziness are generally the culprits behind the endless masses of people that choose to sacrifice their identities for conformity. They deny originality and consequently form that which we call "society" which is largely based upon false pretense and imitation. Both the comfort and stability of habit, and the fear of change or individuality lead these same masses of people to fall into the patterns that soon grow to define their lives. The diction, structure, and details that Thoreau implements in Walden emphasize his forceful tone highlighted by his disgust for conformity and socially induced overly complex lifestyles which he uses to inspire an opinionated reaction from the reader.
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
All papers and essays are for research and reference purposes only!
Copyright 2002-2009
Direct Essays , LLC. All Rights Reserved. DMCA Webmasters make $$$$