A Stylistic Analysis of Walden

英语文体学结课论文

对梭罗的《瓦尔登湖》的文体学分析

Abstract

This paper will introduce the background of Henry David Thoreau. His masterpiece Walden, or Life in the Woods is honored to be as Green Bible. The book embodies his philosophy and reflects his independent character. The paper will adopt stylistic analysis, which will be helpful for us to better understand the theme and aesthetic effect of the book and at the same time the stylistic analysis of the book also has strong social influence. At present, our Chinese modern construction comes to a new step, it has some similarities with America at the time of Henry David Thoreau, so how to keep balance between the economic growth and the natural protection is not the desire of citizens, but also the demands of harmonious society. So the analysis of the book can benefit us a lot.

Key Words: Thoreau H.D; Walden, or Life in the Woods; Stylistic Analysis

Chapter 1 Introduction

The significant Place of Henry David Thoreau in American Literature

Henry David Thoreau, American writer, philosopher, and naturalist who believed in the importance of individualism.

English: Portrait by Benjamin D. Maxham (daguerreo...

English: Signature of author Henry David Thoreau

English: crayon portrait of Henry David Thoreau as...

When he was young, he heard a speech of Ralph Waldo Emerson which was called The American Scholar and this speech was thought to be the guide for young Thoreau, it led him to the transcendentalism. He showed great interest in transcendentalism and oriental books which were full of mysterious philosophy. In a commercial, conservative, expedient society that was rapidly becoming urban and industrial, he upheld the right to self-culture, to an individual life shaped by inner principle. He demanded for all men the freedom to follow unique lifestyles, to make poems of their lives and living itself an art. In a restless, expanding society dedicated to practical action, he demonstrated the uses and values of leisure, contemplation, and...