Walden pg. 168-194

This chapter also fits into the theme of society. The chapter tells us that as long as we are in society, we can't develop the individual. To him the pond symbolizes protection and safety from society. The surface of the pond is a mirror that can't be broken: the things on the bottom are untouchable. That is what Thoreau wants, to be untouchable by society. The things that live in Walden Pond are different from the things everywhere else, even though they are the same species. Thoreau wants to be like those animals. He wants to be different. Walden Pond is a symbol of purity to Thoreau. The pond is the center of his world, an he goes fishing on it at night showing us how he is awake while everyone else is asleep (spiritually).