Essays · Chapter
II: Quebec and Montmorenci explained
Thoreau describes his journey by steamboat from Montreal to Quebec, reflecting on the poetic nature of place names and the history of the St.
What happens
Thoreau describes his journey by steamboat from Montreal to Quebec, reflecting on the poetic nature of place names and the history of the St. Lawrence River. Upon arrival, he explores the city, noting its fortifications, military presence, and the striking natural beauty of Montmorenci Falls, which he contrasts with private land claims and industrial encroachment.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and Simplicity
Thoreau celebrates the natural beauty of Montmorenci Falls and the poetic quality of place names, contrasting them with industrial and private encroachments.
Critique of Materialism and Business
Thoreau criticizes Patterson for fencing off the falls and using the water for his mill, arguing that such natural wonders should belong to all humanity.
Characters to notice
- Henry David Thoreau
Narrator and traveler, observing the landscape and reflecting on names, history, and the natural world.
- Kalm
Swedish traveller and naturalist cited for his 1749 description of the continuous village along the St. Lawrence.
- The English
Mentioned as part of the demographic breakdown of Quebec in 1844.
- The French
Referenced as the French-origin population of Quebec.
- The Indians
Implied through the mention of the St. Francis Indian and the historical context of the region.
- Jacques Cartier
Referenced indirectly through the historical narrative of early exploration.
- Samuel Champlain
Mentioned in the context of early exploration of the St. Lawrence.
- The Highlanders
Observed as a regiment stationed in Quebec.
Key passages
“There is all the poetry in the world in a name. It is a poem which the mass of men hear and read.”
Thoreau suggests that place names themselves are inherently poetic and meaningful, often more so than the places they denote.
Reflects Thoreau's transcendentalist view of language and nature.
“It appeared to me in bad taste for an individual, though he were the father of Queen Victoria, to obtrude himself with his land titles, or at least his fences, on so remarkable a natural phenomenon, which should, in every sense, belong to mankind.”
Thoreau argues that private ownership should not restrict access to natural wonders like Montmorenci Falls, which ought to be a shared human heritage.
Highlights Thoreau's critique of private property and materialism.