Question

Read the excerpt from Walden.

Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand; instead of a million count half a dozen, and keep your accounts on your thumb-nail.
Which best describes the purpose of the “thumb-nail” imagery?
It illustrates Thoreau’s belief that a person’s responsibilities should include some manual labor.
It illustrates Thoreau’s belief that most people waste their time attending to their bodies’ needs.
It emphasizes Thoreau’s belief that people should carefully choose their commitments.
It emphasizes Thoreau’s belief that people should carefully record their accounts.



In the second paragraph of “Spring” in Walden, how does the contrast of two time periods aid the development of a theme?
Thoreau’s description of a burst of light on a winter day resembles his own enlightenment.
The introduction of light into a cold, dark setting reflects Thoreau’s happiness at being separate from society.
Thoreau is surprised by the appearance of spring sunlight, just as he is surprised at the discoveries he makes about nature during the course of his time in the woods.
The feeling of happiness Thoreau describes at the changing of the seasons parallels his contentment as his self-knowledge grows.



In paragraphs three and four of “Where I Lived and What I Lived For” in Walden, how does Thoreau contrast the way he lives with the way others live?
He believes that his life will last long, whereas he believes others’ lives will be quite brief.
He considers his life extremely odd and unusual, and he considers others’ lives far more sensible.
He believes his life to be extremely simple, and he believes others’ lives to be needlessly complicated.
He considers his way of life easy for him but perhaps too difficult and harsh for other people.

Answer 1

1) It emphasizes Thoreau’s belief that people should carefully choose their commitments.
(“Keep your accounts on your thumb-nail” stresses making affairs very small and simple.)

2) The feeling of happiness Thoreau describes at the changing of the seasons parallels his contentment as his self-knowledge grows.
(The winter/spring contrast highlights renewal and inner growth.)

3) He believes his life to be extremely simple, and he believes others’ lives to be needlessly complicated.