These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the book.

Personal Response Prompt

Thoreau advocated for living a “simple life.” What does a “simple life” mean to you? What material goods, services, and activities do and do not comprise a simple life? How is your life simple or not simple? How might you live your life more simply?

Teaching Suggestion: This prompt guides student to think/write about one of Thoreau’s major arguments—live life simply—from the perspective of the students’ life in the 21st century. The Wikipedia entry on “simple living” discusses the meaning of simple living from different perspectives and provides examples of simple living practices.

A Ted Talk on YouTube features David Bruno who discusses his book “The 100 Thing Challenge.”

Post-Reading Analysis

Some of Thoreau’s essays in Walden were written as lectures that he gave at the Concord Lyceum. Perhaps this initial context explains why his writing sometimes takes on a patronizing, “holier-than-thou” tone. Identify one example of Thoreau using a moralizing or patronizing tone, and then respond as you imagine Thoreau’s “silent others” might have responded. What do Thoreau’s criticisms of others indicate about his own prejudices?