Walden, a reflection on simple living, is one of the few immortal pieces in the world of literature, and its writer, Henry David Thoreau is known not only for being the icon of transcendentalism and civil disobedience but also for having become a part of a literary canon. While Thoreau's works may be controversial, being either beloved or hated by many people, Thoreau’s unconventionality and beautiful prose are electrifying, generating a blind following of fans who are drawn into the quotable parts of his work. 

However, because Thoreau's writings are so contradictory, they draw a lot of criticism. His flaws have a detrimental effect on his ethos, and he is perceived as abdicating his moral obligations as a writer. Thoreau may be viewed as a dubious person, yet his ageless writings with universal themes make him deserving of the designation of literary canon.

Great literature is invariably contentious and provocative. It is thematically universal in that it is timeless, but it also knows the target audience and the dynamics of the period. Thoreau's influence can be shown in the fact that the majority of high school pupils have at least once come across a brief passage from his writing. Beyond the realm of literature, his influence is also palpable. Even now, Thoreau’s work can be used as part of the dialogue on many topics like minimalism, materialism, and civil disobedience. Despite the controversies, the very fact that his work contains timeless, relevant themes includes his work in the literary canon. 

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