From Society to Solitude:An In-depth Analysis of Thoreau’s Characters in Walden

With the deterioration of the environment and the unbalanced relationship between man and nature,people are plagued by varieties of social problems and rising spiritual crises.This paper aims to analyze Thoreau’s characters in Walden and attempts to provide the implications for our contemporary life.Combined with Thoreau’s life experience and the background of Walden,the paper starts with the analysis of Thoreau’s characters from three aspects concerning his pursuit of inner serenity,search for true essence of life and abiding passion for life,which constitute his unique and independent characters and provide the enlightenment for contemporary life.We concluded that unique thoughts,attitudes,and spirit embedded in Thoreau’s characters are inextricably connected with our contemporary life.His personal experience and practice of solitary life at Walden Pond is a testimony to the necessity of closing to nature actively and confronting life passionately.