English III
Mr. Fox
Into the Wild
Discussion Questions
Introduction
1. As a class, brainstorm to recall the basic tenets of Transcendentalism.
2. Write a working definition of “Transcendentalism.”
3. Read the excerpt of Walden on page 365 of the Springboard book. What is the main idea
of this passage?
4. What is Henry David Thoreau’s perception of happiness?
5. Read the excerpt from “Self-Reliance” on page 365 of the Springboard book. What is the
main idea of this passage?
6. What is Ralph Waldo Emerson’s perception of happiness?
7. Read the contemporary poem, “In the Depths of Solitude” by Tupac. How do the ideas in
this poem compare with Transcendentalist thought?
8. Give one example of another contemporary poem, story, book, television show, or movie
that you think is reflects ideas that are similar to those of the Transcendentalists. Explain
your reasoning.
9. What is your personal perception of happiness? Do you agree with the
Transcendentalists, or is there another literary movement, philosophy, religion, or code
that more accurately describes your personal beliefs? Explain your answer.
10. List one rule you remember learning in kindergarten, and discuss whether it should still
apply in the adult world.
