# Hermit — Walden character guide

> Hermit in Walden by Henry David Thoreau.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0011-brute-neighbors

## Who they are

A character in a dialogue with the Poet, representing solitude and contemplation.

## Relationships

### [Mr. Poet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/walden_se/characters/mr_poet)

_psychological_

The Hermit and Mr. Poet represent contrasting impulses in Thoreau's mind—solitude versus sociability.

## In the story

### [Visitors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/walden_se/chapters/visitors)

Mentioned as a contrast to Thoreau's own sociability; Thoreau says he is naturally no hermit.

### [Brute Neighbors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/walden_se/chapters/brute-neighbors)

Engages in a dialogue with the Poet about fishing and meditation, representing Thoreau's contemplative side.

### [Former Inhabitants and Winter Visitors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/walden_se/chapters/former-inhabitants-and-winter-visitors)

Thoreau mentions a hermit and philosopher as one of his winter visitors, with whom he had deep conversations.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/walden_se/characters/hermit
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/walden_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/walden_se/characters