Essays · Chapter
A Yankee in Canada explained
Thoreau explores the historical and geographical origins of the name 'Canada,' citing early colonial sources like Josselyn and Thomas Morton, and reflects on his own journey to Canada in 1850, later published posthumously.
What happens
Thoreau explores the historical and geographical origins of the name 'Canada,' citing early colonial sources like Josselyn and Thomas Morton, and reflects on his own journey to Canada in 1850, later published posthumously.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and Simplicity
Thoreau's interest in the natural geography and historical naming of the land reflects a simplicity in understanding place through original sources.
Characters to notice
- Henry David Thoreau
Author and narrator, reflecting on his trip to Canada and historical accounts.
- Josselyn
Cited as an early source describing New England as an island bounded by the River Canada.
Key passages
“New England is by some affirmed to be an island, bounded on the north with the River Canada (so called from Monsieur Cane).”
Some claim New England is an island, with its northern border formed by the Canada River, named after Monsieur Cane.
Thoreau cites Josselyn's early geographical claim about New England.
“From this Lake [Erocoise] Northwards is derived the famous River of Canada, so named, of Monsier de Cane, a French Lord, who first planted a Colony of French in America.”
The famous Canada River originates north of Lake Erocoise and was named after Monsieur de Cane, a French lord who established the first French colony in America.
Thoreau quotes Thomas Morton's 1632 work to explain the river's naming.