In his 5th chapter, “Solitude,” Henry David Thoreau presents the idea of seclusion and its importance in the life of an individual. Thoreau speaks of the nature and the beauty that surrounds him as he resides alone in the woods. The purpose of Thoreau’s chapter is to open the eyes of readers to a different viewpoint of solitude and seclusion in comparison to society’s typical, negative view. Through this chapter, Thoreau proves that seclusion may be a necessity for it brings a sense of peace and ease in the life of an individual amidst the chaos provided by society and generic neighborhood life. He states, “…we live thick and are in each other’s way, and stumble over one another, and I think that we thus lose some respect for one another” (Thoreau). However, Thoreau creates a contradictory to the definition of seclusion and solitude when he states the fact that an individual is never really alone, as they are in the presence of nature and its beauties. Thoreau then describes the inspiration and benefits nature provides.

The title of Thoreau’s chapter parallels and defends the purpose of his chapter. By using the word “solitude,” there is a more calming, rather than harsh, tone to the title. If the chapter were to be called “alone,” or “isolation,” there is an automatic reaction of negativity as the society usually perceives it to be. Thoreau presents a tone of admiration especially towards nature. He uses his diction to depict his enthusiasm he feels towards nature and the adoration he has accumulated. Thoreau proclaims, “The indescribable innocence and beneficence of nature—of sun and wind and rain, of summer and winter—such health, such cheer, they afford forever!” (Thoreau). The way he formats this sentence, using breaks, and commas, provide strong feelings towards nature. Throughout the chapter Thoreau uses vivid details to describe his experiences and feelings nature provides. He uses diction to present an imperial tone as he personifies nature in parts of his chapter. Thoreau declares, “ …and such sympathy have they ever with our race, that all Nature would be affected, and the sun’s brightness fade, and the winds would sigh humanely, and the clouds rain tears, and the wood shed their leaves and put on mourning in midsummer, if any man should ever for a just cause grieve,” (Thoreau). Thoreau also capitalizes the letter “N,” in “Nature,” personifying the concept even further. Thoreau describes nature using phrases such as “the fluttering alder and poplar leaves,” and “the wind still blows and roars in the woods,” to show readers that there is more than their outward appearance.

The audience of Thoreau’s piece is mainly himself. The chapter is written in first person and is stylized in a diary format. By writing this chapter in such a format, Thoreau is able to reflect on his own personal feelings the works of nature has given him. Even though the audience gears toward personal reference, Thoreau wishes for readers to open their minds and be able to experience the same experiences he has. In doing so, the audience may likely be ones who are confined to neighborhood life, who disregard solitude as a positive aspect. In paragraph 13 of this chapter Thoreau turns to the society, calling it “commonly too cheap,” and listing its flaws. Thoreau again uses strong diction to put his point across. He lists each fault and uses a repetition of the word “we,” to create a joint impact to ones who are ignorant to seclusion and nature. He states, “We meet at meals three times a day, and give each other a new taste of that old musty cheese that we are. We have had to agree on a certain set of rules, called etiquette and politeness, to make this frequent meeting tolerable and that we need not come to open war. We meet at the post-office and at the sociable” (Thoreau). There is a tone of blame that we have not opened ourselves to the value of nature. Another evident piece of diction that points to an urban audience is Thoreau’s use of questions. He imposes questions such as “How far apart, think you, dwell the two most distant inhabitants of yonder start, the breadth of whose disk cannot be appreciated by our instruments?” This question speaks directly to readers who question his choice of living in solitude in order to receive a rejuvenating experience from nature.

I found that this chapter regarding solitude opened my own eyes into another viewpoint of solitude and seclusion, that there really isn’t such a thing. Thoreau presents an idea that most people disregard which is the idea of nature surrounding you. Thoreau shows that we should appreciate the magic of the nature we live in and not turn into conformity. I liked the idea that seclusion is not necessarily a bad thing and that it may be the one thing you need to do, to be alone with nature and its splendors.