Brute Neighbors

The twelfth chapter in Henry David Thoreau’s book, Walden, is titled Brute Neighbors, and concerns the wildlife that inhabits the wood and lake around his cabin. In this chapter Thoreau addresses both meanings of the word ‘brute’ by first speaking of the animals themselves, brute, and then by describing their raw and unaltered behaviors, brute. However, it is in the word ‘neighbors’ that Thoreau reveals his transcendental emotions. In his isolated cabin Thoreau did not have traditional neighbors, but his choice to call the wildlife his neighbors shows that he thinks of them as more than just animals.

In Brute Neighbors he shares the times he spent with a loon, a swarm of ants, a mouse and a partridge, all extremely detailed accounts focusing on the intellect of the animals. Thoreau expounds on the dedication of the fighting ants he watched, saying that “I have no doubt that it was a principle they fought for, as much as our ancestors, and not to avoid a three penny tax on their tea.” Thoreau condescends on the intentions of the American colonists, simplifying their intentions in the Boston Tea Party to make their reasoning seem silly. In doing so he builds up the tiny ants, making their fight seem like an honorable battle. Thoreau uses stories of the animals to illustrate how advanced nature is, and to show his fellow intellectuals the reasoning for his isolation.

Scattered among the animal stories are various references to historical events and words in Latin. Thoreau says that “it was not a duellum, but a bellum” (Thoreau), but does not explain what these words mean, because he assumes that his audience is educated enough to connect his references. He also uses these historical connections to express the complexity of nature. By saying that “The battle which I witnessed took place in the Presidency of Polk” (Thoreau), Thoreau places the ant battle in the historical time line, creating a higher regard for the battle in public opinion.

Throughout the chapter Thoreau personifies the animals he meets, saying that a loon “set up his wild laugh and betrayed himself” (Thoreau). By playing up the human qualities of animals, he makes it easier for the reader to connect with the animal because of their shared characteristics. His choice of words also adds to the awe filled tone of the piece. Thoreau’s amazement at the inner workings of nature seeping through with phrases like “[the loon] maneuvered so cunningly,” “so perfect is this instinct,” and “purity of infancy” to describe the animals, and said that his reaction was “excited and harrowed” (Thoreau). His involved and passionate tone helps the reader understand why he appreciates the wildlife.