henry david thoreau prioritized content over style, and this is why even if he was a good writer, he can be difficult to read especially in his public works (same as annie dillard). This is perhaps an intentional choice. He didn’t want to get lost in the technicalities of skillful writing (The technicalities of your craft could cloud your real purpose). He was focused on the truth, the quality of the children of his mind, and most importantly, living itself.
When he said that he wanted to be a writer, the kind of writing he was referring to was primarily writing in his journal, that is, making sense of his thoughts and experience. This is why The magnum opus of Thoreau is his journal.
His focus on content is perhaps the reason why he was never really a good poet. His poetry is subtly felt in the curiosity and joy present in his most private writings.
I take inspiration from Thoreau by committing that The writing I do in private is my most important writing.
To do
- Question: Even if Thoreau prioritized content over style, why did he still try to infuse poetry in his writing? How did he develop his writing prowess?