Thoreau’s Cosmopolitan Dispositions As Reflected In Walden

This thesis attempts to propose an interpretation of Thoreau’s masterpiece Walden from a global perspective, within the framework of contemporary cosmopolitanism theorizing. Seeing the trains carrying merchandise of various countries passing by him, Thoreau penned that he felt more like a citizen of the world. Examining the idea of cosmopolitanism in Thoreau’s works invites us to consider Tomlinson’s proposition to work towards a stipulation of cosmopolitanism as an ideal-as the competent moral agent in the contemporary globalizing world. Thoreau’s idea of the cosmopolitan not only provides a meaningful framework to study his work, but also contributes to contemporary theoretical interest in cosmopolitanism.Mid-19th century America was characterized by an earlier globalization process brought about by the rapid industrialization and massive technological breakthroughs across nations. The deepened cultural, economic and political exchanges among different countries all contributed to people’s global thinking. Although almost every aspect of Thoreau’s physical life was tightly bound up with Concord, his worldview was not bound by the scale of the land; instead, he actively involved in the primitive ongoing process of globalization in his mind, his works being the product of complex tangle of influences. In his intellectual imagining of a larger world, he has fostered cosmopolitan dispositions. First and foremost, Thoreau displays an openness toward other cultures and acquires a broad understanding of various cultures and customs. He delights in cultural diversity while resents cultural homogeneity. At the same time, he also engages in ongoing reflexive dialogues between his own cultural affiliations and other cultures, during the course of which, both his opinions toward his native culture and toward other cultures have undergone impressive changes. More importantly, his cultural identifications with the larger world catalyze and strengthen his moral and ethical commitment to the entire world. It is only when the three aspects of Thoreau’s cosmopolitanism given due attention and taken as a whole that Thoreau’s diversified literary efforts as a nature writer, social reformer, and cultural critic can cohere in one ethical endeavor:the love of the entire world. By analyzing the content of Thoreau’s cosmopolitanism thoroughly, this thesis hopes to cast light on the contemporary significance of Thoreau’s masterpiece and to contribute to contemporary cosmopolitanism theorizing.