Economy Henry David Thoreau Analysis
William Shiner
Susana Jensen
Effective Writing
4/4/2011
Fashion Faux Pas for the Socially Aware
"Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new" (21),[*] says Henry David Thoreau, in regards to one of the many societal values that he believes to be “trivial.” Throughout Walden, Thoreau examines several different concepts and elaborates on his own ideologies in contrast with those of society. In “Economy,” he plays around with the idea that society has adopted fashion as being more than just a means of dressing for our own personal taste. Dubbing it a “novelty,” he continues to dissect the subject, citing a conforming population dressing to impress, a division of class and a society in fear of being …show more content…
“As for Clothing, to come at once to the practical part of the question, perhaps we are led oftener by the love of novelty...” (18) Our obsession with fashion exists not only to clothe us, but to maintain a “style” that is new or unique. The quote continues with, “...and a regard for the opinions of men, in procuring it, than by a true utility” (18). Adding to the novelty aspect, it implies that the “new” or “unique” features that a particular article of clothing has will draw attention from others. With the assistance of novelty, impression is the primary objective of those that attempt to gather attention through the means of a fashion …show more content…
“The condition of the operatives is becoming every day more like that of the English” (21). He clearly argues that these methods of producing clothing are nothing but damaging to reputation, and the conditions of those who developed the clothing. Continuing with, “I cannot believe that our factory system is the best mode by which men get clothing.” This half of the quote calls for another “mode” by which people should have their clothing made. Probably for safety reasons, better working conditions and the ability to produce better
Susana Jensen
Effective Writing
4/4/2011
Fashion Faux Pas for the Socially Aware
"Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new" (21),[*] says Henry David Thoreau, in regards to one of the many societal values that he believes to be “trivial.” Throughout Walden, Thoreau examines several different concepts and elaborates on his own ideologies in contrast with those of society. In “Economy,” he plays around with the idea that society has adopted fashion as being more than just a means of dressing for our own personal taste. Dubbing it a “novelty,” he continues to dissect the subject, citing a conforming population dressing to impress, a division of class and a society in fear of being …show more content…
“As for Clothing, to come at once to the practical part of the question, perhaps we are led oftener by the love of novelty...” (18) Our obsession with fashion exists not only to clothe us, but to maintain a “style” that is new or unique. The quote continues with, “...and a regard for the opinions of men, in procuring it, than by a true utility” (18). Adding to the novelty aspect, it implies that the “new” or “unique” features that a particular article of clothing has will draw attention from others. With the assistance of novelty, impression is the primary objective of those that attempt to gather attention through the means of a fashion …show more content…
“The condition of the operatives is becoming every day more like that of the English” (21). He clearly argues that these methods of producing clothing are nothing but damaging to reputation, and the conditions of those who developed the clothing. Continuing with, “I cannot believe that our factory system is the best mode by which men get clothing.” This half of the quote calls for another “mode” by which people should have their clothing made. Probably for safety reasons, better working conditions and the ability to produce better