. It is remarkable that a single mouse should thus be allowed a whole pine tree for its dinner, gnawing round instead of up and down it; but perhaps it is necessary in order to thin these trees, which are wont to grow up densely
Thoreau sees purpose in the mice felling an entire pine tree as nature's way to thin the crowded forest.
heir A
A character in Greek mythology that is turned into a stag by the Goddess Artemis and killed by his own hunting hounds.
arden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance than I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn.
He assumes that because his is living in quiet, lonely circumstances he is accepted as much as a general would be in a shiny uniform in front of soldiers.
hat do you mean by alarming the citadel at this time of night consecrated to me? Do you think I am ever caught napping at such an hour, and that I have not got lungs and a larynx as well as yourself?
Thoreau again imagines that the wildlife has duties and clear personalities based on behavior he witnesses or hears.
Did not his white breast enough betray him? He was inde
He expects the loon to stay quiet and use reasoning, as if the white breast wasn't betraying his location enough already. It seemed such a game to Thoreau.
arges. The waves generously rise and dash angrily, taking sides with all water-fowl, and our sportsmen must beat a retreat to town and shop and unfinished jobs. But they were too often
It surprises me that he doesn't have more negative remarks about the sportsmen, being such a naturalist.
in a fence. I was even accustomed to make an irruption into some houses, where I was well entertained, and after learning the kernels and very last sieve-ful of news, what had subsided, the prospects of war and peace, and whether the world was likely to hold together much longer, I was let out through the rear avenues, and so escaped to the woods agai
He had some acquaintances that understood his aversion to people and small talk. Did they feel the same?
, and I never missed anything but one small book, a volume of Homer, which perhaps was improperly gilded, and this I trust a soldier of our camp has
Even though books were valuable at that time, he assumes that his stolen book has landed in the hands of another who will read it, "a soldier of our camp." It seems that he doesn't mind parting with "things" with anyone else who could use or enjoy them.
ess. I hardly ever failed, when I rambled through the village, to see a row of such worthies, either sitting on a ladder sunning themselves, with their bodies inclined forward and their eyes glancing along the line this way and that, from time to time, with a voluptuous expression, or else leaning against a barn with their hands in their pockets, like caryatides, as if to
He observes the villagers in the same way he observes wildlife, describing in detail postures and habits.
bears. How, then, can our harvest fail? Shall I not rejoice also at the abundance of the weeds whose seeds are the granary of the birds? It matters little comparatively whether the fields fill the farm
Thoreau expresses that the crop can benefit all beings, not just man. Even if the crop fails, some creatures may benefit.
t, for I am by nature
A Pythagorean follows a vegetarian diet that forbids the eating of beans.
nd as I turned to my hoeing again I was filled with an inexpressible confidence, and pursued my labor cheerfully with a calm tr
The author is expressing that he feels save, even grounded, by returning to his labor and turning the dirt.
Think, also, of the ladies of the land weaving toilet cushions against the last day, not to betray too green an interest in their f
He was thinking of slaves and women not living up to their destinies, as well.
vinity in man! Look at the teamster on the highway, wending to market by day or night; does any divinity stir within him? His highest duty to fodder and water his horses! What is his destiny to him compared with the shipping interests? Does not he drive for Squire Make-a-stir? How godlike, how immortal, is
He is expressing that one needs to do what is loved and makes the world a better place. A worker delivering goods is not meeting his destiny.
of their race. None can be an impartial or wise observer of human life but from the vantage ground of what we should
He is firm in the belief that one must experience voluntary poverty to understand. The wisdom needed to be a wise observer of human life must be learned thru experience, not in books.
south. It is hard to have a southern overseer; it is worse to have a northern one; but worst of all when you are the slave-driver of yourself. Talk of a di
This statement shows the conflicting feelings the author has over slavery, get a softer slave driver, the ultimate power over the slaves. He doesn't want that responsibility for himself.
ere made of brass; still living, and dying, and buried by this other’s brass; always promising to p
A great description of how generations follow each other not getting ahead with regard to wealth.