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GOING TO WALDEN, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Mary Oliver’s poem “Going to Walden” meditates on the notion of retreat and introspection, drawing on the legacy of Henry David Thoreau’s seminal work, "Walden." Through the use of straightforward language and reflective tone, Oliver explores the themes of simplicity, wisdom, and the essence of finding peace within one’s everyday life.

The poem begins with a practical observation: “It isn’t very far as highways lie. / I might be back by nightfall, having seen / The rough pines, and the stones, and the clear water.” Here, Oliver sets the stage with a journey that is physically close and seemingly simple. The distance to Walden Pond is presented as a short trip, suggesting that the physical act of going to Walden is easily accomplished.

The speaker mentions the encouragement of friends: “Friends argue that I might be wiser for it.” This implies that there is an expected benefit, a presumed wisdom to be gained from such a visit. However, the speaker’s response introduces a deeper contemplation: “They do not hear that far-off Yankee whisper: / How dull we grow from hurrying here and there!” This “far-off Yankee whisper” echoes Thoreau’s philosophy, emphasizing the pitfalls of modern life’s constant rush and the dullness it brings.

The poem acknowledges the commonality of the journey: “Many have gone, and think me half a fool / To miss a day away in the cool country.” The speaker notes that many others have made the pilgrimage to Walden, viewing it as a worthwhile escape from the pressures of daily life. There is an implied judgment here, as those who have gone consider the speaker foolish for not taking advantage of this opportunity.

Despite this, the speaker offers a contrasting perspective: “Maybe. But in a book I read and cherish, / Going to Walden is not so easy a thing / As a green visit.” This shifts the focus from the physical journey to the philosophical and spiritual one. The speaker suggests that merely visiting Walden is superficial compared to the deeper, more meaningful challenge of embodying Thoreau’s ideals.

The concluding lines encapsulate the poem’s central message: “It is the slow and difficult / Trick of living, and finding it where you are.” Here, Oliver underscores that the essence of going to Walden lies not in the act of travel but in the practice of living intentionally and finding tranquility and wisdom in one’s immediate surroundings. This idea resonates with Thoreau’s advocacy for simplicity, self-reliance, and mindfulness.

In “Going to Walden,” Oliver uses clear and accessible language to convey profound insights. The poem reflects on the superficial allure of escaping to an idyllic place and contrasts it with the more challenging, yet rewarding, journey of cultivating an inner sense of peace and purpose. Oliver’s work invites readers to consider that the true value of Thoreau’s teachings lies in their application to everyday life, rather than in a mere physical retreat to nature. This perspective aligns with Thoreau’s own writings, which emphasize the importance of introspection and the mindful appreciation of one’s immediate environment. Through this reflection, Oliver’s poem becomes a call to embrace the “slow and difficult trick of living,” encouraging a deeper connection with the present moment and the wisdom it holds.


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