How Does Thoreau Use Extended Metaphors In Walden

Thoreau’s use of dark imagery and extended metaphors in Walden illustrates his seclusion from society to ultimately convey his journey as an individual through life. In the passage, Thoreau supports his argument with the use dark imagery to reinforce his individual preference of living in contrast to the rest of society’s. He prefers to live in his cabin in the woods, while everyone else lives in places similar to the village he visits. He explains that he “set sail from some bright village or parlor room”, referring not only to his journey from the village to his secluded cabin in the woods, but also his isolation from the rest of society at as a whole. He believes that his “harbor in the woods” is his detached placement where he lives and is able to be unaffected by society's conformities, creating a dark image of his feelings toward it. As he becomes more removed, he is reminded of the sublime reality and tranquility of Nature, and how it is unaffected from society’s obedience just as he is as an individual. His journey home takes place at night, as the imagery is illustrated when he refers to his “dark and tempestuous” surroundings in the woods. Any moonlight or starlight that exists in that night is is unable to reach him, due to the strong presence of darkness brought on by the trees in the woods. He “had the opportunity to look up” and is reminded of his “path” because he is made aware of the fact that he is immersing himself …show more content…
Just like he wrote in Walden, there are those who “set sail from some bright village or parlor” who prefer to immerse themselves in nature, instead of surrounding themselves with the negative affects of society. His deference is uncovered as he uses metaphors to display their unique life choices to ultimately enhance their journey through life as