Independence

A Place in the Woods presents independence as a lost human virtue. The Hoovers hope to find in moving to the deep woods a natural way of life that was lost a hundred years in the past. Living as Americans once lived, without access to advanced technology and public services, the Hoovers are free to exist as they choose, separate from the will of a corporate, mechanized society. This also means that the Hoovers must accept sole responsibility for their own lives and livelihood. Should disaster strike, they cannot easily call upon the assets of civilization.

For achieving independence, certain skills are more useful than others. Helen's expertise in metallurgical research is of limited value in the wilderness. Research, useful only in context, is not a fundamental survival skill. Ade's skill in carpentry, on the other hand, is far more beneficial. In knowing how to work with wood...