Nature by Henry David Thoreau (1849)
The work is a personal narrative of the author's experiences living in a cabin near Walden Pond. It explores themes of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and individualism. The author reflects on his decision to leave behind the comforts of society and live a more austere life, observing nature and recording his thoughts and observations.
By Henry David Thoreau · First published 1849 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Transcendentalism · 189 words
First lines
O Nature! I do not aspire To be the highest in thy quire, -- To be a meteor in the sky, Or comet that may range on high;
Only a zephyr that may blow Among the reeds by the river low;
Give me thy most privy place Where to run my airy race.
In some withdrawn, unpublic mead Let me sigh upon a reed, Or in the woods, with leafy din, Whisper the still evening in:
What this Textopian page supports
Nature is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry David Thoreau, dated 1849 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry David Thoreau
- Date: 1849 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Transcendentalism, Philosophical Literature
- Length: 189 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Nature by Henry David Thoreau
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Nature?
- How does this poem by Henry David Thoreau fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Stanzas Written At Walden by Henry David Thoreau
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- Inspiration by Henry David Thoreau
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Nature Writing — The themes revolve around nature, its beauty, and the speaker's relationship with it.
- Transcendentalism — The work reflects transcendentalist themes of individualism and a deep connection with nature.
- Philosophical Literature — The text explores philosophical ideas about the human condition and nature.
Tags
Philosophy · Autobiography · Nature Writing · Environmentalism · Self-Sufficiency · Simple Living · Solitude · Meditation · Spirituality · Existentialism · American Literature · 19th Century Literature