Abstract
This Independent Study analyzes both Henry David Thoreau and Edward Abbey’s comments on social relations to natural resources as well as the revolutionary purport of each writer’s works. It also investigates justifications for property violence in political action.
In the first chapter, I investigate Thoreau through a materialist analysis. I begin this investigation by looking at Thoreau’s Walden as well as his other essays in order to explain his comments on social relations to natural resources and the revolutionary purport of his work. In addition to this, I make an attempt to apply Thoreau to present day by considering his philosophy with respect to community gardens.
Following this chapter, I take up the same project with Edward Abbey by analyzing his book Desert Solitaire. In addition to this, I outline Abbey’s method for fixing improper social relations known as monkeywrenching by analyzing an account of the method found in his novel The Monkey Wrench Gang. Upon the conclusion of this, I apply Abbey to present day by considering oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The third chapter involves a comparison of the Thoreau and Abbey’s political thought. It also attempts to justify property violence in political action in an attempt to address any issues with monkeywrenching.
Advisor
Barnard, John
Second Advisor
Riley, Evan
Department
English; Philosophy
Recommended Citation
Moore, Alex, "Walden, Wilderness, and Wrenches: The Radical Environmentalism of Henry David Thoreau and Edward Abbey" (2018). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 8248.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/8248
Publication Date
2018
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2018 Alex Moore