A. First he constructed the frame of his house, and then he bought the boards. The boards came from another house.
B. Having finished framing his house, he sought out another house to dismantle for building materials. He found one and bought it cheaply.
C. His house frame was ready for its boards by mid-April. He had gotten the boards from a small, run-down building he purchased for a good price.
D. The building he took his house’s boards from was not in very good shape. The price was reasonable, though.
Answer:
The correct statement that best summarizes the third paragraph of “Economy” in Walden is:
C. His house frame was ready for its boards by mid-April. He had gotten the boards from a small, run-down building he purchased for a good price.
Paragraph Summary: The third paragraph in “Economy” chronicles Thoreau’s endeavor to acquire the boards necessary for the construction of his house. By mid-April, the frame of his dwelling was complete, marking an important milestone in his solitary venture. To obtain the boards, Thoreau ingeniously sought out a small, dilapidated building that he could dismantle and repurpose. Not only did he find a suitable structure, but he also managed to purchase it at a reasonable price, allowing him to continue his construction project.
Importance of the House Frame Completion: Thoreau’s mention of the completion of the house frame by mid-April holds great significance. It represents a significant achievement in his quest for self-sufficiency and living deliberately. The frame symbolizes the foundation on which his entire experience at Walden Pond is built. With this accomplishment, Thoreau moves closer to creating a physical space that aligns with his philosophical aspirations.
Resourceful Approach: Thoreau’s resourceful approach to acquiring the necessary boards showcases his practicality and ingenuity. Instead of resorting to conventional means, he actively sought out a small, run-down building that he could repurpose. By purchasing the building, he not only gained access to the much-needed materials but also ensured that his construction project aligned with his values of simplicity and sustainability. This resourcefulness highlights Thoreau’s commitment to living in harmony with nature and his ability to find creative solutions to everyday challenges.
The Symbolism of the Dilapidated Building: The choice to acquire boards from a small, dilapidated building holds deeper symbolism in Thoreau’s narrative. It serves as a metaphor for the broader society from which Thoreau sought respite. By repurposing the boards from this neglected structure, he distances himself from the trappings of materialism and consumer culture, choosing instead to embrace a more intentional and mindful way of living. In doing so, Thoreau challenges the prevailing norms of his time and invites readers to reconsider their own relationships with material possessions.