Chapter 4, Handy Man and Private Tutor Summary and Analysis

Henry seems to be at loose ends after John dies. He builds fences for people, helps others garden, makes pencils with his father, drives horses and does surveying. Emerson admires his friend's manly and scholarly ways and invites Henry to stay at his home tutoring the children and doing odd jobs around the house while he is away on lecture tours.

Emerson's wife Lidian suffers from a lingering illness, and really appreciates having someone around who is competent in emergencies. It's a great arrangement for Thoreau, too, because he receives free room and board and can spend as much time as he likes roaming the woods and writing about what he sees.

Many other interesting people come stay at Emerson's home during this time, including

Margaret Fuller who edits the magazine...