Abstract

Henry David Thoreau was a famous American transcendentalist and author. Walden was one of his masterpieces in which he showed his admiration towards nature, due to which he moved to the woods and lived alone by the Walden lake for about two years. In Walden, Thoreau not only reflected on the relationship between nature and men, but also contemplated on social relationships. There were all together two general kinds of social relationships mentioned in Walden, which were interpersonal relationships and men-state relationship. Thoreau criticized money-based interpersonal relationship and autocratic state-men relationship. Furthermore, he advocated sincere and harmonious interpersonal relationship, and believed that individual interests were above institutions in state-men relationship.

    Keywords: Walden; social relationships; interpersonal relationship; men-state relationship; harmony; individuality

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Social Background of Thoreau's Age-1

1.2 Transcendentalism and Thoreau-2

2. Thoreau’s Views on Interpersonal Relationships-3

    2.1 Abomination of Money- based Relationship-3

2.2 Paradox in Socializing-4

    2.3 Inclination for Sincere and Harmonious Relationship.5

3. Thoreau’s Views on Social Relationship Between Men and the State-7

3.1 Objection to the Autocratic Government-7

3.2 Individual Interests above Institutionalized Control-8

4. Conclusion-9

References-10