Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Makenzie Mcfall. Mrs. South. Language Arts 11 . 2 February

Makenzie McFall Mrs. South Language Arts 11 2 February 2017 Henry David Thoreau Things do not change, we change, wrote Thoreau, in perhaps his most well known book, Walden. He was a most interesting man and lived a life full of changes and his works are still relevant today. Thoreau did not follow the traditional paths that most did during his time. The results of a life lived on its on merits and free to explore and adapt has provided us with invaluable writings that are relevant today. To understand his life is to explore and change our own views. Life started out normal enough for Thoreau. His father operated a pencil factory locally while his mother remained at home. Although, she did rent out parts of their house to boarders†¦show more content†¦During this time in history, those with this level of education usually went into law, the church, business, or medicine (Britannica). None of these captured the interest of young Thoreau. What did gain his favor was teaching. He accepted a job at the Concord public school but quite a little while latter rather than having to punish a student. His response to this would later surface in another similar form in his life and led to an important writing. After he resigned, Thoreau teamed up with his older brother John, to open Concord Academy in 1838. They taught language but also brought forth some new styles of teaching. Henry wasn t happy with how he was taught at Harvard. The brothers introduced several progressive concepts such as nature walks and visits to local shops an d businesses (Britannica). The school stayed open till 1842. At which time, John passed away in Henry s arms due to tetanus. This part of Henry s life had to have a profound effect on him and the events together would be evident in his life and writings. Thoreau s life really changed over the years but he always held to his beliefs and stood up for them. I think that the death of his brother John and the school closing sent Henry on a path of self discovery. One such path was what led to him writing Resistance to Civil Government, also known as Civil Disobedience. Thoreau had become friends with Ralph Waldo Emerson who introduced him too many people. One of whom was Ellery

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