why does thoreau make this comparison to the visual arts

Answer 1

Without a specific context or reference, it is difficult to determine the exact comparison Thoreau made to the visual arts. However, Thoreau was known for his transcendentalist ideas and his love for nature, simplicity, and individualism. He often used vivid descriptions and poetic language in his writings to evoke a sense of beauty and appreciation for the natural world.

Thoreau might have made comparisons to the visual arts to convey the aesthetic qualities found in nature or to illustrate the harmony, balance, and wisdom that can be achieved through observing and connecting with the natural world. By relating nature to the visual arts, he may have aimed to elevate the status of nature to that of a work of art, emphasizing its intrinsic value and the importance of experiencing it fully. Additionally, Thoreau might have used the comparison to convey the idea that just as a painting or sculpture can evoke emotions and inspire reflection, so too can nature stimulate our senses and provoke contemplation.