Prompt 01
Essay task
AP LiteratureAP LanguageCommon Core Ela
In Walden, Henry David Thoreau asserts that living intentionally and simply, in close connection with nature, is crucial for achieving genuine self-awareness and a meaningful life. In a well-organized essay, analyze how Thoreau employs literary and rhetorical strategies—including extended metaphor, irony, allusion, and the cyclical nature of the seasons—to build and support his main argument that society's materialism and conformity hinder individuals from living "deliberately." Use specific passages from the text to support your claim, and evaluate how Thoreau's argument resonates or falls short for today’s readers.
Guiding Questions to Consider
- What does Thoreau mean by living "deliberately," and how does he illustrate this through contrasts with conventional lifestyles?
- How does the progression of seasons serve a purpose beyond mere structure—what philosophical or thematic significance does it convey?
- In which parts of Thoreau's rhetoric is he most persuasive, and where might his ideas be questioned or complicated?
Requirements
- Minimum 5 paragraphs (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion)
- Include at least three direct quotations from Walden
- Engage with at least two literary/rhetorical devices
- Conclude with a reflection on the contemporary relevance of Thoreau's argument