Chapter 11 of Walden: Confronting Our Carnal Urges

🌲Thoreau is tempted to eat a woodchuck but realizes it's the wildness of the animal that draws him, not its flesh.

🍽️Thoreau feels shame for eating fish, realizing that his imagination and body should sit down at the same table.

🌱Thoreau questions his appetite and wonders why he can't subdue his greed or other sensual desires.

🔥Thoreau practices self-discipline by subduing his sexual appetite and abstaining from alcohol.

🥩Thoreau explores the conflicts of caring about food while trying to embody transcendentalist principles.

Why is Thoreau tempted to eat a woodchuck?

—Thoreau is drawn to the wildness of the woodchuck, not its flesh.

What makes Thoreau feel ashamed of eating fish?

—Thoreau believes that his imagination and body should both sit down at the same table.

Why does Thoreau question his appetite?

—Thoreau wonders why he can't subdue his greed or other sensual desires.

How does Thoreau practice self-discipline?

—Thoreau subdues his sexual appetite and abstains from alcohol.

What conflicts does Thoreau face regarding food?

—Thoreau grapples with caring about food while trying to embody transcendentalist principles.

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00:09In Chapter 11 of Walden, Thoreau confronts his own carnal urges.

00:19He is tempted to consume a woodchuck but realizes it's the animal's wildness that draws him.

00:29Thoreau reflects on his shame for consuming fish, questioning the separation of imagination and body.

01:00He ponders why he can't subdue his greed or other sensual appetites.

01:18Thoreau practices self-discipline by subduing his sexual appetite and abstaining from alcohol.

01:27He explores the conflicts of caring about food while embodying transcendentalist principles.

02:06[Music]