Peggy Noonan laments "the end of placeness" in her op/ed piece, marking it as a recent trend. To what extent do you think Thoreau would agree with Noonan that a strong sense of place is vital to understanding ourselves and maintaining "American culture"? How important is it that Thoreau is from a specific place (Concord, Walden Pond) as opposed to a more generalized place (any agricultural area near a city; any pond)? How does Thoreau define place, anyway?
Two ways of addressing this question:
-How does Thoreau use place-names (like Walden Pond) to privilege the specificity of place?
-Thoreau often uses references to other times, places, cultures, and works of literature; does this change our understanding of what place means?
Use specifics in your response!
See you tomorrow.
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Thoreau's definition of place comes about in sentence upon sentence, paragraph upon paragraph of meticulous detail. He sees a simple pond and the obvious empirically derived details (color, temperature, etc.), but then goes beyond that to describe its relation, physically and abstractly to the things surrounding. Mountains aren't just "true-blue coins from heaven's own mint", they are the sturdy frame around his picturesque pond. His multiple references to other cultures and their places/spaces adds to this idea of place connectivity. If one looks at Thoreau's footnotes, ancient Greece, Hinduism, American history, Confucianism, and even the French are mentioned in the first couple pages. I believe that he means to define place not only by the physical aspects of the area, but the emotional tie that individuals and cultures share with a certain area. The simple rising of the sun stirs Thoreau to quote Hindu texts, "All intelligences awake in the morning". Thoreau provides an encompassing quote, suitable to all cultures, and begs the reader to invest some of themselves, if not this idea, in the reader's own habitat, By doing so they are defining their place as something more than a dwelling. In his writing he claims his character to be “rapt in reverie” just sitting in “amidst the pines and hickories and sumacs”. His combination of immense detail and an outpouring of emotion towards his surrounding lead the reader to believe that place helps define us as we define it. The character Walden is clearly nostalgic and simplistic as he doesn’t mind the “rough, weather stained boards, with wide chunks”. This idea is not far from Noonan’s belief in placeness where candidates are so culturally mild for fear of offending another group, that their true character is unable to shine.
Thoreau states that one should define him/herself through self-realization. He believes that people are too caught up in the materialism of society that they are allowing this desire for materials items to control their lives. Thoreau’s statements are somewhat contradicting to Peggy Noonan’s article as he implies that a place could be anywhere (non-specific), as long it is a place that one can escape from society and examine his/her feelings. Despite the fact that Thoreau specifically mentions nature, it is in fact more of a space in that it is non-specific and is not man made/constructed. I think Thoreau would revoke the Noonan’s idea of “maintaining American culture” because of his strong desire for a reformed society. Our present day society is even more materialist and extroverted than Thoreau’s present day society.
Thoreau references to specific works of literature, especially classics, since he believes they are filled with values and challenges those who read them. His notations of the specific places near Walden Pond and the culture that his society was immersed in are also other references that help connect him to the “place” around him. By grounding himself with the natural world around him and the simplistic lifestyle he led, Thoreau was able to define himself not by the society in which he was previously “controlled” by, but rather by himself. Thoreau made the term “place” less specific and more broad than we had defined in class (we defined it as concrete, specific, human-made, social-physical). He also proved that one can be defined by a place, without the need for social-physical interaction because despite the fact that he often had visitors, he was able to show that he did not need others in order to define who he was.
In order to determine the extent to which Thoreau would agree with Noonan, one must examine their views regarding both place and “American culture.” Noonan confirms in her article that a strong sense of place leads to a strong character (referring specifically to political figures). This in turn establishes a person’s credibility, improving his or her outward image. It is this image which allows a person to trust that the candidate will preserve “American culture,” or the accepted way of life. Her definition of “American culture” seems to be closest to the cliché lifestyle also referred to as the “American dream.” Noonan suggests in her article that a political figure’s sense of place assures others that he or she will keep the “American dream” alive.
Thoreau, on the other hand, suggests that a strong sense of place yields inner peace and serenity. He writes from a specific place in order to convey this message more accurately. His first-person account of his journey towards inner peace, in order to remain reliable, must be set in a specific location. Just as Noonan suggests an outsider is more likely to lean towards the candidate who best develops his or her sense of place, Thoreau must engage his readers by reassuring them of his sense of place.
Thoreau differs from Noonan in that he is more concerned with influencing the individual’s inner growth and journey towards self-discovery through his work rather than encouraging a person to maintain his or her outward image. Also, he does not necessarily wish to maintain “American culture” or contribute to the illusion of the “American dream” so much as to redefine and reform them. Thoreau suggests that, with a strong sense of place, a person can come to realize how “American culture” should be defined. He often refers to his time immersed in nature as an “awakening.” This awakening can be interpreted as a realization of oneself and one’s place in the world. From this, a person can redefine their idea of “American culture” in learning how to become completely immersed in nature. In living without the comforts of society (such as a post office, store, and public transportation) one can conjure an improved “American culture” of self-reliance and independence. Thoreau also suggests that one redefines their idea of the “American culture” by recognizing the benefits of living simply, leisurely, and wholly in the present.
Overall, I would have to say that Thoreau would oppose Noonan on the definition of “American culture,” however they would agree that a sense of place is needed to establish credibility and ultimately convince others they can maintain the culture, regardless of its definition.
While Thoreau clearly indicates that the creation and preservation of his spatial identity is one of the more important goals of his life, it seems unlikely that he meant them for the purpose of maintaining merely the identity of America. Indeed, his attachment to Concord and Walden serves to create a reference point in universal time for him to exist in. Thoreau uses specific names and places to call attention to the fact that such landmarks exist all about the world and all through time; creeks and mountains and nature are constants through history. By intimately experiencing those that surround him he is learning by proxy (much like the echo he describes, “not merely a repetition of what was worth repeating in the bell, but partly the voice of the wood”) the landmarks of all lives that preceded him.
Similarly ‘place’ appears to refer to a section of bounded time, marked less by action that the nature around it. Just as Thoreau takes the word ‘morning’ and turns it into a place that brings the repeated return of the “heroic ages”, he transforms time into a stream itself that leaves only eternity behind- place is merely the segment of time a man occupies within continuous nature. Trains bring to mind the myriad outposts and civilizations that exist beyond Concord, and the only books Thoreau deems readable are those written long ago for all to experience. Unlike Noonan, who capitalizes on the very “domestic sounds” he finds himself severely lacking to tie people together, Thoreau seeks nature in its raw and untouched varieties, the only true uniting and unchangeable force shared between all men.
In Peggy Noonans “The End of Placeness”, she confronts the issues that she has in terms of recent politics and life in general. She believes that in order to fully understand oneself, a “sense of place” is vital. In current elections, she points out the “sense of disjointedness” that occurs with the two candidates, saying that they are not from a place, but rather “from an experience”. In Thoreau’s “Walden Pond”, he too emphasizes the importance of place but in a slightly different way. Noonan insinuates that in order to have a sense of place, there must be a label, for example “ Mr. Jefferson of Virginia, and Abe Lincoln of Illinois”. In other words, the name defines and embodies the place. Although Thoreau would agree with Noonan’s thoughts on the importance of place, he is comfortable in whatever sort of “abode” he may find, whether it is a tent, or a boat. Thoreau uses names such as Walden Pond and Concord to specify place, however to him the name does not define the place. In fact he criticizes people’s constant need for specifics by stating that “life is frittered away by detail”. To Thoreau, a place is anywhere you feel connected to the things around you, whether they are living beings, or birds and bullfrogs. Noonan mentions the “tug of Back Home” in her article, however in Thoreau’s case,“back home” isn’t necessarily only one place. The two authors seem to hold different opinions on what constitutes a “place”. Noonan suggests that a “place” should be permanent, by listing Senator Obama’s many homes ranging from Hawaii, Indonesia, New York Cambridge, and finally Chicago. Although Thoreau has had many homes, he is able to feel a sense of place within each one, whether it is a concrete dwelling or not. He also believes that humans can be spiritually and mentally close without being physically close, explaining that “no exertion of the legs can bring two minds much nearer to one another”. Thoreau’s ability to connect with Nature, which he deems important enough to personify, is what characterizes a “place” for him. Noonan believes that it is the likes, dislikes, traditions and customs of those in the area, which truly create a sense of place.
Thoreau views ‘place’ as something more emotional, or physiological, than a physical marker in the world. He may live at Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts, but the name alone does not define who he is and what he is like Thoreau wanted to be away from society and come to a ‘strange Liberty with Nature.’ I do believe that if he found a similar pond in rural Upstate New York at that time, he would have still managed to be the same person, overall, and not have the ‘place’ define who he is. Noonan, on the other hand, reminisces of the old days when people were associated with direct places, like Abraham Lincoln to Illinois or even as recently as Bill Clinton to Hope, AR. Thoreau wouldn’t define home as one place. It would be somewhere where you feel linked to your surroundings. Thoreau found himself connected to the nature around him, whether it was the “distant lowing of some cow, or the screech owls singing the u-lu-lu.” The majority of the American public now wants a more national candidate. The candidate may have special ‘places’ in this world where they feel connected, but we want a candidate that thinks of the country first before their ‘place’ in this country and universe. We are now pulling away from Peggy Noonan’s idealized view of place as specific and absolute to a broader sense of place, one that does not link a person to where they grew up, for example; but what experiences they have had in the course of their lifetimes and how they are connected to American culture, much like how Thoreau defined ‘place’ some 130 years ago.
Although Thoreau would probably agree with Noonan that a strong sense of place is vital to understanding ourselves, his understanding of space differs from Noonan's understanding of space. In her article about the lack of "placeness" in the current campaign for presidency, Noonan defines space in specific terms. For example she discusses how candidates in the past were from specific places in America such as JFK from Massachusetts and FDR from New York. Thoureau's understanfing of space is less about specifics. He has a more generalized view of what place is. In "Walden", Thoreau rejects people's obsession with details, claiming that "our life is frittered away by detail," and urges people to have simplicity in their lives. Although place in general is important to Thoreau it is not specific place that is important. Thoreau claims that wherever he sits is where he lives. He also stresses living uncommitted to a certain place such as a farm: "As long as possible live free and uncommitted. It makes but little difference wether you are committed to a farm or a county jail." Noonnan, in contrast, views being uncommitted to a specific geographic region in a more negative light when discussing how Americans now constantly relocate.
Thoreau references other times, places, and cultures in "Walden." He discusses his love of classic literature but criticizes the modern literature available in Concord. He also discusses his knowledge and respect of other cultures, but criticizes the culture of Concord. This illustrates how the specifics of place are not as important to him. Thoreau seems more connected to the more general natural world than the more specific Concord, Massachusetts. The fact that he lives in Concord is not as important as the fact that he lives amongst nature. When discussing his home Thoreau describes how "Both place and time were changed, and I dwelt nearer to those parts of the universe and to those areas in history which had interested me." He goes on to describe how it is as if he lives in distant, undisturbed part of the universe.
Noonan thinks negatively of place being more generalized whereas Thoreau does not. Noonan criticizes how our world is now "so global that at the Olympics, when someone wins, wherever he is from, whatever nation or culture, he makes the same movements with his arms and face to mark his victory" and that this is a "squashing down of the particular, the local and authentic." Thoreau, however, has a more positive view of globalization and the generalization of place. He enjoys when freight trains go by carrying goods from all over. It reminds him of the foreign parts of the world and makes him feel like a "citizen of the world" as opposed to specifically a citizen of Concord.
I thought Thoreau's idea of the simple life really showed how he deleberately uses Walden pond as a reference point in his writing. Although he mentions places like Greece, Egypt, the Orient, and other metaphors associated to these places he brings the most attention to Concord. He sticks to simple ideas like getting up early will make for a more productive day mentally and phsycially. He also brings up the fact that the people of Concord, and ultimately the whole society, are satisfied with the "little reading". Thoreau believes in simplicty of life but certainly not of mind.
Although he brings up many foreign places he does not mention travelling to them. I got the sense that he could never have visited any of them and simply read about them. But I found it really interesting that he could use these foreign places in reference to Walden pond and things as simple as sounds made by a passing train, or being alone in his house. He turns a place like Walden pond into his own space by expressing his thoughts on complex ideas in relation to his surroundings. He doesnt just see the pond as a pond in front of his house in Concord. He compares a place like Walden pond to events and ideas that greatly transcend any pond. By doing this he effectively turns Walden pond into a space rather than a place. That is not to say that it could be just a place for anyone or maybe everyone else besides Thoreau. I think that turning some-place into a space is done by an individual not necessarily an event that took place there.
From Ariel Bowen:
Thoreau would agree with Noonan’s observation of the “end of placeness” is coming because in his work he tries to convey that people are no longer identifying themselves with the environment. “Men think that it is essential that the nation have commerce, and export ice, and talk through a telegraph, and ride thirty miles an hour, without a doubt, whether we should live like baboons or men is uncertain.” (pg. 1856) Technology is developing during this time and people have the opportunity to communicate faster and travel outside of their environment. Hence in this statement he poses the question of whether society should keep advancing and explore multiple locations (as men) or become ignorant to their abilities to only stay within that one original environment (as baboons). Thoreau makes it seem like why would you want to experience only portions of other locations when you can fully understand and become a part of one location.
When Thoreau references other time periods, cultures, and places it may change a readers perception of place by allowing us to better understand why his place is so sacred. Thoreau speaks of his home as a sacred place and gives the impression that a place can be a state of being as well as a physical location. He continuously sites sources from ancient Greek culture and literature for various reasons. One being that they had a pagan religious system whose gods and beings were based upon the elements of nature. The author in the same sense makes nature his religion or spiritual connection and develops his own rituals and mythology. He describes how he would bathe in the pond as a type of cleansing practice that unifies him with the environment. Thoreau also compares Walden to the mysterious Styx River from Greek mythology and envisions how the nightly noises are not really from the animals yet the water nymphs and spirits.
Thoreau doesn't have a simplistic view of life to say in the least. He doesn't define Walden as "a pond" or "the pond" because it is more than that to him. Giving the pond a unique name sets it apart from the norm. Once something is given a label, the specificity of the place is much more valued. If he named the pond "Walden pond" instead of just Walden, it would still come across as just a pond. Thoreau is trying to say that there are different ways to define things than caging them inside their physical beings.
Whereas we view trees and lakes and ponds as just physical beings, Thoreau goes much deeper. He takes what society depicts as something simple, like a building or a pond, and dissects them. Instead of viewing things in the materialistic sense, he sees the spiritual being in everything. He is a pantheist, so he believes that there is God in everything. Everything isn't God, but God is everything. According the Thoreau, God flows through everything and he can't be confined to a single object. Naming the pond Walden is Thoreau's way of saying that everything has a spiritual being.
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