Question

In the june 1862 issue of the atlantic monthly magazine, american author and philosopher henry david thoreau published his essay "walking. " the essay is considered to be a classic expression of american transcendentalism, a nineteenth-century philosophical, literary, and social movement that was skeptical of conventional social institutions and fearful of the changes wrought by industrialism. Transcendentalists such as thoreau extolled self-reliance and encouraged a profound engagement with the natural world, which they sought to preserve in its pristine state. Read the passage carefully. Write an essay that analyzes the rhetorical choices thoreau makes to convey his message about the value of walking in nature.

Answer 1

Thoreau's essay 'Walking' exemplifies transcendentalist principles such as the intrinsic value of nature and individualism. His writings, including 'Walden' and 'Civil Disobedience', continue to influence environmentalism and emphasize personal freedom and responsibility.

Step-by-step explanation:

Henry David Thoreau's essay Walking encapsulates the core values of American transcendentalism, emphasizing the importance of nature to personal freedom and self-reliance. Thoreau's rhetoric in Walking, as well as other works like Walden and Civil Disobedience, conveys his deep belief in individualism and his opposition to the transgressions of an unjust government. In essence, he urges individuals to engage deeply with the natural world and to live according to their own principles, free from societal and governmental restraints.

Thoreau's literary contributions, including his observations on natural history and philosophical insights, prefigured modern environmentalism and ecology. His works intertwine keen natural observation, personal experience, and potent rhetoric, revealing a complex interplay between the human spirit and the environment. Thoreau's influence persists today, his writings serving as a foundational text for environmentalists, naturalists, and those seeking a profound connection with nature.