Walden

Use these activities to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity. 

ACTIVITY 1: “Transcendental Club”

Thoreau was part of a 19th century philosophical movement called transcendentalism, which consisted of five basic principles: 1) nonconformity, 2) importance of nature, 3) individual spirituality (as opposed to organized religion), 4) simple living, and 5) self-reliance.

Recreate a setting for the Transcendental Club, a group of 19th century intellectuals and writers who met to discuss their beliefs and work. Take on the persona of one of the club’s members, present an excerpt from that member’s writing or lectures, and discuss how the excerpt addresses one or more of the principles of transcendentalism.

Teaching Suggestion: Discuss with students that one of the primary leaders of the transcendentalist movement was Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose essay “Nature” (1836) was the impetus for Thoreau to live out the principles of transcendentalism in a cabin he built on Emerson’s woodland property at Walden Pond. The following resources will help students prepare for the activity:

• This U.S. History webpage defines transcendentalism and identifies prominent transcendentalist writers. 
• This webpage provides a listing and biographies of the authors of American transcendentalism.
• This podcast features a discussion about Thoreau’s relationship with Ralph Waldo Emerson.
• This web article presents an interesting discussion of how transcendentalism can inspire “a re-awakening (and consensus?) after the COVID-19 pandemic.” The article connects the principles of transcendentalism to contemporary life.

ACTIVITY 2: “Nature Writing”

Thoreau is regarded as one of the most important American nature writers of the 19th century. His essay writing style—full of detailed description, metaphor, imagery, and rhythmic language—helped shape what nature writing looks and sounds like today.

Part A: Research the key key elements of "nature writing" and then identify a passage from Walden where Thoreau uses specific elements of the genre. Also identify any elements that Thoreau does not use in Walden. 

Part B: Go on a walk outdoors and select one scene to closely observe and take notes on. It will also be helpful to take pictures of the scene (wide shots) and particular objects within the scene (close-up shots).

Part C: Using the notes and pictures you’ve taken, write a one-page description of the scene. Include details, metaphor, vivid imagery, and rhythmic language in your description. Embed one or two of the pictures in your paper, give your paper a title, and then present your work to other students for feedback.

Teaching Suggestion: It may be helpful to create a simplified list of the elements of nature writing with students. The nature walk could be a school outing or assigned for homework. This activity specifically addresses Barnhill’s first element of nature writing (accounts of nature) and prepares students for the Full Essay Assignment. The following resources may be helpful to discuss with students prior to the activity:

Thoreau on the Art of Writing

• passages from Thoreau’s journal in which he discusses the art of writing

American Nature Writing

• article that discusses elements of effective writing in Walden and an essay Thoreau wrote in 1842 called “The Transcendentalist”

The Nature of Nature Writing

• New York Times article that discusses the history of nature writing in America, and Thoreau’s role in shaping American nature writing