Thoreau develops his themes in Walden
primarily through figurative language, rather than symbolism. Frequently, he develops
analogies. Ideas are communicated by comparing one thing to another and then explaining
how they are alike. For instance, consider this
passage:
It
is remarkable how easily and insensibly we fall into a particular route, and make a
beaten track for ourselves. I had not lived there a week before my feet wore a path from
my door to the pond side; and thought it is five or six years since I trod it, it is
still quite distinct. It is true, I fear that others may have fallen into it, and so
helped to keep it open. The surface of the earth is soft and impressible by the feet of
men; and so with the paths which the mind travels. How worn and dusty, then, must be the
highways of the world, how deep the ruts of tradition and
conformity!
In comparing the
well worn path to the minds of men, Thoreau makes the point that falling into tradition
and conformity, without thinking, is quite easy and not to be desired. When removed from
the analogy, a worn path can be symbolic of conforming to tradition without thinking
independently.
In a following passage, Thoreau makes this
statement:
I
did not wish to take a cabin passage, but rather to go before the mast and on the deck
of the world, for there I could best see the moonlight amid the mountains. I do not wish
to go below now.
In this
passage, Thoreau does not develop an analogy, but instead develops an implied metaphor.
Taking a sea voyage is indirectly compared to living one's life. It can be done
independently and adventurously or traditionally and safely. Within the metaphor, living
adventurously "on the deck of the world" is more enriching for the
spirit.
Rather than developing a few central symbols within
Walden, Thoreau communicates his Transcendental themes through
figures of speech that appear frequently throughout the work.
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