Walden

by

Henry David Thoreau

Summary
Analysis
In the winter, Thoreau hears a host of animals around his house: the hooting owl, whose sad sound is very familiar to him; the geese; the foxes, who bark like forest demons; the red squirrels, to whom Thoreau throws some corn; the jays, who stole the corn; the chickadees; the partridges; the hounds, who sometimes circle his house; and the hares, one of which lives under his house. Thoreau wonders if there is a kind of civilization among animals as is there is among men.
By removing himself from society, Thoreau chooses the natural company of animals, the different species of which have their own habits and personalities. Thoreau gives them a great deal of respect by paying such close attention to their behaviors.
Themes
Solitude and Society Theme Icon
Nature Theme Icon
Transcendentalism, Spirituality, and the Good Life Theme Icon
Quotes