Essays · Chapter
Biographical Sketch explained
This biographical sketch by Emerson details Thoreau's life, character, and philosophy.
What happens
This biographical sketch by Emerson details Thoreau's life, character, and philosophy. It covers his French ancestry, birth in Concord, Harvard education, renunciation of pencil-making and conventional professions, his life as a land-surveyor, his deep connection to nature, his poetic and spiritual sensibilities, his radical individualism, his moral integrity, and his detachment from social and religious institutions.
Themes in this chapter
Individualism and Self-Reliance
Thoreau's refusal to follow conventional professions, his solitary life, and his insistence on living according to his own beliefs exemplify this theme.
Nature and Simplicity
Thoreau's deep engagement with nature, his walks, his study of natural facts, and his preference for a simple, self-sufficient life are central to the sketch.
Critique of Materialism and Business
Thoreau's renunciation of pencil-making and his disdain for wealth and conventional employment highlight his critique of materialistic society.
Heroism and Moral Courage
Thoreau's moral integrity, his refusal to compromise his beliefs, and his 'dangerous frankness' are portrayed as forms of heroism.
Characters to notice
- Henry David Thoreau
The subject of the biography; his birth, education, renunciation of professions, surveyor work, poetic nature, and moral philosophy are detailed.
- Emerson
The author of the biographical sketch, providing a personal and philosophical portrait of Thoreau.
- The St. Francis Indian
Referenced as Joseph Polis, an intelligent Indian guide from Oldtown who accompanied Thoreau on his last visit to Maine.
- Aulus Persius Flaccus
Mentioned indirectly through Thoreau's admiration for Aeschylus and Pindar, and his critical view of their songs.
- Orpheus
Referenced in Thoreau's critique of Greek poets for not providing a worthy hymn to the gods.
- Aristotle
Quoted by Emerson to explain Thoreau's detachment from society: 'One who surpasses his fellow-citizens in virtue is no longer a part of the city.'
Key passages
“I long ago lost a hound, a bay horse, and a turtledove, and am still on their trail.”
Thoreau used a mythical story about losing a hound, horse, and dove to symbolize his ongoing search for deeper truths.
Emerson cites this passage from Walden to illustrate Thoreau's poetic and symbolic way of expressing his spiritual quest.
“Why should I? I would not do again what I have done once.”
After perfecting a pencil, Thoreau refused to make more, valuing the experience over commercial gain.
This demonstrates Thoreau's rejection of repetitive labor and material success.
“One who surpasses his fellow-citizens in virtue is no longer a part of the city. Their law is not for him, since he is a law to himself.”
Emerson uses Aristotle's idea that an exceptionally virtuous person transcends societal laws and norms.
This explains Thoreau's isolation from social and religious institutions.