r 28). The point he is trying to make isthat critics can not agree on Thoreau's attempts at unity in this book. It is agreed that themost obvious structural device he uses is that of a circular journey, such as a surface factthat the brothers' journey began and ended in Concord. Thoreau himself says, "we wererowing homeward to find some autumnal work to do, and help the revolution of theseasons" (29). Along the trip, Thoreau portrays the sights he sees and refers to works ofvisual art. We see specific images such as the landscape, the setting, and a man and hisdog (Schneider 30). We see the personal imagery and sense a feeling of realness throughthe incredible use of vocabulary and description. His words are like those of an artistdescribing a painting.Another aspect of Thoreau's transcendentalism is his abrupt shifts from the past to thepresent. He is trying to break down the distinctions between the two. Images of themorning, day, and evening are used to portray the continuity and unity of the past, present,and the future. Thoreau talks about the founding of the town of Billerica, and then jumpsinto long essays on myths, fables, and legends as well. Sometimes he will use "I" and othertimes "we" (31). This is all part of the transcendental experience.Thoreau's overall themes of life are predominant in A Week. His continuous struggle withsurviving in the world without selling out like the majority of society is his most clearlyseen theme. We also see Thoreau as he tries to deal with his questions and struggles. Byuse of his transcendentalism, Thoreau implies that the material world is not true, it is not"real" or "substantial" (34). He finds much disappointment in the people of society whichis reflected in his own self opinion. Thoreau had expectations of finding spiritual truth innature, not through it. He believed it was a symbol and that we should be able to see God(36). These contrasting ideas show us Thoreau's means of sorting out ...
