Revisiting Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) is the 19th century American philosopher, writer and the pioneer of modern environmentalism. His masterpiece Walden appeals to more and more readers for its deep ecological implications. In 1985, Walden ranked the first in the ten greatest books that had contributed to shaping the American mind by the magazine American Heritage, and it has also been called "the Green Bible" in American literary history.This thesis intends to analyze ecological implications in Walden through extensive reading from the perspective of eco-criticism. Thoreau thinks that nature has its intrinsic value and man should respect the rights of nature. He challenges human's dominance over nature and criticizes man's abuse of nature. According to Thoreau, man is a part of nature, and the harmonious relationship between human and nature will benefit the prosperity and development of the whole ecosphere, which is also the best way to achieve Self-realization. He pursues a diversified life which is "rich in means, simple in ends". All of these principles are fundamental to modern ecological philosophies. As one of the superb works of landmark significances in the history of American nature writing, the eco-critical study of Walden will undoubtedly promote the advancement of human beings' sustainable development.This thesis consists of six chapters: Chapter One presents general knowledge about Thoreau and his writings, as well as the current researches on Walden. Quite a few comments are made on Thoreau's writing techniques in Walden. But exploring the ecological consciousness in Walden is badly needed against the background of modern environmental movement.Chapter Two is the theoretical survey of the overall research, including the basic doctrines of eco-criticism and its development. Eco-centrism challenges the authority of anthropocentrism. It consists of two main aspects: land ethics and deep ecology and it has developed two ultimate norms: self-realization and bio-centric equality. The basic criterion of value on ecological holism holds that a whole system is superior to any of its parts. When a living thing is conductive to preserving living community's integrity, stability, and beauty, it is right. When it goes to the opposite, it is wrong. The basic presupposition of ecological holism is decentralization or no centralization. Chapter Three probes into the anti-anthropocentric propensity in Walden. People have been preoccupied with the idea of becoming the dominator and conqueror of nature, which drives them into crazy pursuit of material possessions. Thoreau criticizes this blind imitation and human's abuse of nature.Chapter Four discusses eco-centric implications. In Thoreau's opinion, humans have no right to reduce the richness and diversity of nature, and the diversity of life forms helps achieve the utmost self-realization. Thoreau advocates an ideal life characterized by outward simplicity and inward richness.Chapter Five analyzes the ecological holistic tendency. Thoreau's philosophy of holism emerged unequivocally in his interpretation of humans as plain members and citizens of the biotic community. We should respect all human and nonhuman individuals in their own rights as parts of the whole ecosphere. The sense of harmonious co-existence and sympathy between humans and nature is vividly expressed in Walden.Chapter Six covers a brief summary and a prospect to highlight the significance of Walden and the development of eco-criticism. There is no denying that Thoreau is not only one of the forerunners of western ecological philosophies, but also the pioneer of bioregionalism. Thoreau occupies a dominant place in contemporary environmentalism. The research on Walden will undoubtedly help achieve sustainable, steady and healthy development of the whole eco-system.