A Presentation on Solitude

1
A Presentation on Solitude

• An Excerpt from Henry David Thoreau's Walden
  Pond

2
The Summary

• This begins with Thoreau stating that some of the
  most pleasant times he has are watching thunders
  storms in solitude. In one thunder storm he saw
  Lightning strike a large pitch pine as he looked
  at it every day it stood out more and more. He
  then goes on to state that some ask if he gets
  lonely on his own and he in short says that no
  exertion of the legs can bring two minds closer
  so of course hes not lonely and he wonders how
  he could be. He ends by stating that it is in
  solitude where the wise man builds his cellar.

3
Significant Passages

• Some of my pleasantest hours were during
  rainstorms in the spring or fall, which contained
  me to the house

• The point of this is that you can have some of
  the most wonderful experiences in solitude

• I passed it again the other day, and was
  struck with awe, on looking up and beholding the
  mark now more distinct than ever

• This is referring to the tree that was struck by
  lightning and he is pointing out that you can
  concentrate more and notice along with realize
  things better when you are in a state of solitude

• I have found that no exertion of legs can bring
  two minds much nearer to one another

• What I gather from this statement is even if you
  are in the midst of a million people you can
  still be lonely for just being together doesnt
  bring togetherness you must do things together
  same with solitude, Being solitary doesnt put
  you in a state of solitude you must achieve such
  aspects through personal or spiritual study.

4
Romantic theme

• Thoreau talks about how cool it is to be alone in
  nature. He states that some of the most
  pleasantest times he has had are alone watching
  thunderstorms. And therefore nature is important
  to the rejuvenation of the soul

5
Any Questions?

• Do you think the hours people today spend in
  front of televisions and computers to bring
  people together or to isolate them? How do you
  think Thoreau would react?

It definitely isolates them, and if Thoreau were
to see it I think he would like it. Since it if
giving people a sort of sense of solitude but an
imperfect one at that.

• According to Thoreau, what advantages does
  solitude offer?

Peace and tranquility, it allows you to think
clearer, you are able to notice things and you
can be one with nature