Thoreau's Bean Field Analysis
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Questions and Answers

What does Thoreau consider a blessing to the hungry bird?

  • A field infested with weeds (correct)
  • The abundance of beans
  • The farmer's anxiety
  • The absence of weeds
  • What aspect of farming does Thoreau downplay in his description of bean cultivation?

  • The nutritional value of beans
  • The practical results of the harvest (correct)
  • The symbolism in cultivation
  • The physical labor involved
  • Which mythological figure does Thoreau compare himself to while hoeing the fields?

  • Hercules
  • Zeus
  • Apollo
  • Antaeus (correct)
  • How does Thoreau describe the way his hoe sounds while working?

    <p>Like a musical instrument (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Thoreau claim he does not know about his farming?

    <p>The end result of his labor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What elements does Thoreau integrate into his descriptions of farming?

    <p>Classical mythology and religious symbolism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Thoreau view the land he cultivates in relation to its previous inhabitants?

    <p>As a mix of different cultural artifacts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What philosophical shift does Thoreau intend to pursue in his future agricultural efforts?

    <p>Sowing seeds of morality, such as sincerity and truth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What literary technique does Thoreau employ to describe his farming methods?

    <p>Imagery and metaphor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What sentiment does Thoreau convey about the agricultural calculations he mentions?

    <p>They seem insignificant in light of his goals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which biblical theme does Thoreau's agricultural philosophy resemble?

    <p>Every season has a purpose (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Thoreau suggest about his role while farming at Walden Pond?

    <p>He is a mere interloper in a long history (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a central element of Thoreau's agricultural pursuits?

    <p>Creating profound artistic expressions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Thoreau view the weeds in relation to the farmer's experience?

    <p>As a spiritual lesson in acceptance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary crop does Thoreau cultivate on his farm?

    <p>Beans (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Thoreau find while excavating his bean plot?

    <p>Arrowheads and pottery shards (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Thoreau's attitude toward the necessity of war?

    <p>He is indifferent and feels distant (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What financial outcome does Thoreau achieve from his crops?

    <p>A profit of almost nine dollars (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Thoreau recommend for successful husbandry?

    <p>Fresh soil and vigilance against pests (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Thoreau's underlying purpose for cultivating crops?

    <p>To develop self-discipline (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Thoreau view the attention people give to their farms compared to their fellow humans?

    <p>People care more about their farms than about the state of men (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Thoreau imply about nature's perspective on crop success or failure?

    <p>Nature remains unaffected by agricultural outcomes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Thoreau's bean farm

    Thoreau cultivates beans, potatoes, turnips, and peas on two and a half acres, experiencing farm life and observing nature.

    Profit from farming

    Thoreau earns a profit of nearly $9 from crops, despite not being a significant bean consumer.

    Evidence of past inhabitants

    Thoreau discovers arrowheads, pottery, and other artifacts while cultivating the land, indicating previous inhabitants.

    Nature vs. war

    Thoreau contrasts the peacefulness of his rural life with echoes of military exercises from the town; he feels confident in the defense of his liberties.

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    Woodchuck damage

    Woodchucks harm a significant portion of Thoreau's bean crop.

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    Farming as self-discipline

    Thoreau views farming as a way to cultivate self-discipline, more important than the financial gains.

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    Impact of previous occupants

    Thoreau notes that prior inhabitants significantly impacted the soil's fertility for beans.

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    Advice on successful farming

    Thoreau recommends using fresh soil, vigilance against pests, and harvesting before frost.

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    Thoreau's Farming Symbolism

    Thoreau elevates farming beyond its practical purpose, using it as a metaphor for broader concepts like morality, art, and spirituality.

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    Mythological Comparisons

    Thoreau uses comparisons to figures like Antaeus to highlight the vitality and energy of his work, rather than its actual yield.

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    Art as Agriculture

    Thoreau likened his hoeing to a musical performance, comparing it to the French folk song, "Ranz des Vaches", showcasing a focus on the process over the product.

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    Spiritual Farming

    Thoreau's farming transcends the material; he sees it as a spiritual quest, with uncertainty about its purpose, acknowledging it is divinely ordained.

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    Subsistence vs. Symbolic Farming

    Unlike conventional farmers focused on output, Thoreau prioritizes the symbolic meaning and the process of farming.

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    Agriculture of Morals

    Thoreau envisioned a future where farming focused on cultivating the values of sincerity and faith rather than material harvest.

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    Land as a Mixed Culture

    The land in Thoreau's bean fields contains traces from different cultures, native and European.

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    Native American Heritage

    Thoreau acknowledges the presence of Native American history on the land, presenting a view of the land that was populated before European settlement.

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    Interloper's Perspective

    Thoreau recognizes his presence as an intruder on the land, acknowledging the spirits or remnants of those who resided there before him.

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    Cultural Ownership

    Thoreau does not claim cultural ownership over the land, preferring harmony over assertion of rights.

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    Non-Possessive Attitude

    Thoreau’s approach to the land lacks the possessive ambition typical of many American settlers, emphasizing harmony with the land.

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    Practical vs. Symbolic

    Thoreau's focus on the symbolic and spiritual aspects of farming contrasts sharply with the practical concerns of everyday farming.

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    Mythological Enhancement

    Thoreau's use of mythology enriches the spiritual and philosophical dimensions of his experience at Walden, though it contradicts a practical approach.

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    Classical Agriculture

    The application of classical ideals and terminology in Thoreau's description of farming adds depth and broadens the context.

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    Transcendental Farming

    The farming practices described by Thoreau have metaphysical implications that go beyond just subsistence or material production.

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    Study Notes

    Thoreau's View of the Hungry Bird

    • Thoreau considers the opportunity for the hungry bird to consume his beans a blessing, as it indicates the abundance of his harvest.

    Thoreau's Downplayed Aspect of Farming

    • Thoreau downplays the physical labor and toil involved in farming by focusing on the joy and connection to nature.

    Thoreau's Mythological Comparison

    • Thoreau compares himself to Antaeus, a mythical giant who drew strength from the earth, emphasizing his connection to the soil.

    Thoreau's Description of the Hoe's Sound

    • Thoreau describes the sound of his hoe as a rhythmic and pleasing "music", reflecting his peaceful engagement with the land.

    Thoreau's Ignorance of Farming

    • Thoreau claims he doesn't know all the intricacies of farming, emphasizing his amateur approach and his focus on experiencing the process.

    Elements of Thoreau's Farming Descriptions

    • Thoreau integrates personal reflections, philosophical observations, and poetic language into his descriptions of farming, weaving a tapestry of experience rather than a purely technical account.

    Thoreau's View of the Land's History

    • Thoreau views the land he cultivates as connected to its previous inhabitants, acknowledging the cyclical nature of human life and land use.

    Thoreau's Future Agricultural Philosophy

    • Thoreau intends to shift his future farming efforts towards a more sustainable and self-sufficient approach, emphasizing ecological harmony.

    Thoreau's Literary Technique

    • Thoreau employs anecdotal storytelling and lyrical prose to describe his farming methods, creating a vivid and engaging narrative.

    Thoreau's Sentiment About Agricultural Calculations

    • Thoreau expresses disdain for overly precise agricultural calculations, emphasizing the role of intuition and experience.

    Thoreau's Agricultural Philosophy and Biblical Themes

    • Thoreau's agricultural philosophy echoes the biblical theme of cultivating the earth, emphasizing stewardship and responsibility.

    Thoreau's Role in Farming

    • Thoreau suggests that his role as a farmer is to participate in the natural cycle of growth and decay, recognizing his relationship with the land.

    Central Element of Thoreau's Agricultural Pursuits

    • A central element of Thoreau's agricultural pursuits is his deep appreciation for the natural world and its processes, emphasizing his connection to nature.

    Thoreau's View of Weeds

    • Thoreau views weeds as a part of the natural order, reflecting his acceptance of imperfection and the complexity of nature.

    Thoreau's Primary Crop

    • Thoreau's primary crop at Walden Pond is beans, which he cultivates extensively.

    Thoreau's Discovery While Excavating

    • While excavating his bean plot, Thoreau finds an ancient arrowhead, connecting his work to the past inhabitants of the land.

    Thoreau's Attitude Towards War

    • Thoreau expresses opposition to the necessity of war, reflecting his commitment to peaceful living and his belief in self-reliance.

    Thoreau's Financial Outcome

    • Thoreau achieves a modest financial outcome from his crops, proving his ability to provide for himself through his farming.

    Thoreau's Recommendation For Husbandry

    • Thoreau recommends a simple and natural approach to husbandry, promoting self-reliance and a close connection to the land.

    Thoreau's Underlying Purpose for Cultivating

    • Thoreau cultivates crops not only for sustenance but also for a deeper understanding of life, nature, and himself, seeking spiritual fulfillment through his work.

    Thoreau's View of Attention to Farms

    • Thoreau critiques the disproportionate amount of attention people give to their farms compared to their fellow humans, arguing for a more balanced view of human relationships and the importance of community.

    Nature's Perspective on Crop Success

    • Thoreau implies that nature holds no judgment on the success or failure of crops, emphasizing its indifference to human concerns.

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    Description

    Explore Thoreau's practical and symbolic approach to farming, focusing on his cultivation of beans and other crops. This quiz discusses the challenges he faced, including wildlife interference and the historical context of Native American agriculture. Delve into the financial aspects of his farming and the deeper implications of self-discipline in agricultural practices.

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