Thoreau

For this project, you will write a letter to be sent as an e-mail post to a friend or relative. In the letter you will briefly summarize Walden, noting the purpose Thoreau has in writing it, explaining his philosophy, and describing facts about it (like the topics he chooses to focus on to make his points).

Next, you will explain your reaction to the book. It doesn’t matter whether you like it or not, how has it affected you? How did it affect your discussion mates? In this part of the letter it will be helpful to quote passages out of the book and out of the discussion your group had. Here you can address his philosophy, but also you can expand on his style or the topics he focuses on.

Lastly, include some research on either Thoreau, the book, or his era, or what others (critics and scholars or other authors) have written through the years about the book. Because this is a letter, the research should be introduced through “signal phrases” which tell the reader where the information comes from, but do not include a works cited page as that is awkward in a personal letter.