As a self-reliant individual in 1845, Thoreau decided to conduct an experiment on Emerson's land at Walden Pond by building himself a cabin and living in simplicity and seclusion for two years (Baym 963). Shortly upon arriving at Walden Pond, Thoreau began to draft Walden, which documents "his two-year adventure on the pond's shore," which he viewed "as a westward quest for the Emersonian self" (Ruland 125). Thoreau's main purpose in writing Walden was to encourage people to simplify their lives and connect with nature. ... In the conclusion of Walden, Thorea...

• Word Count: 1963
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate