Some Q&A on “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For” by Henry David Thoreau

Q1:Thoreau’s method as a writer is often to move from the small fact to the larger truth. In the first sentence, he tells the reader that his unfinished house allowed the air to blow through. How does this simple fact become important in the discussion of the “winds” in the last part of the paragraph?

A1:The first sentense indicates the materialize insufficiency of Thoreau's living place. The last sentence illustrates the spiritual pleasure which he gets from the wind. The fact of the first sentence is important to the discussion in the last part because it helps the writer to show his idea that sipritual value is not disturbed by materialize factors.

Q2:The theme of the next paragraph is the effort to “live deliberately” in order to “live deep.” In what way did living in the woods enable Thoreau to improve the quality of his life?

A2:It makes him withdraw from the interfere of superfluous life, enabling him to approach closer and give more thoughts to life.

Q3:The final paragraph asserts that “we live meanly, like ants.” What explanation does Thoreau give for this way of life? Why does he place so much emphasis on simplicity?

A3:He says " it is error upon error, and clout upon clout, and our best virtue has for its occasion a superfluous and evitable wretchedness. " He places so much emphasis on simplicity because he thinks that details draw life away.

Q4:What paradox is expressed in the final sentence of this passage?

A4:We don't control materalize advantages; it is them who gain advatages upon us.