Ch. 2- Where I lived, and what I lived for

In chapter 2, Thoreau talks about how he came to live at Walden Pond. He believes he almost picked the wrong place to call his home in the beginning, and is happy with where he resides. he states "Many think that seeds improve with age. I have no doubt that time discriminates between the good and the bad; and when at last I shall plant, I shall be less likely to be disappointed."(Thoreau). He compares houses to seeds and advises his audience not to rush into anything and to take their time, as with all aspects of life. In his writing he uses many proper names of the meadows and mountains he sees, such as the Sudbury meadows, gearing it more towards people who live around him in Concord, who would know what the different lakes and meadows are called. Throughout his story he also refers back to and compares many things to Greek literature and gods. Only the people who went to school would be able to understand these connections, so he is writing to the elite of the society as well. He is also very descriptive in his writing, to help his audience see a clear image of his feelings and the nature surrounding him. He switches off between telling personal experiences and stating his purpose for the audience. He uses his personal experiences to show his carefree and peaceful life that he lives, which is also shown in the tone of the chapter. Others who want to live a carefree and peaceful life will want to follow his lead. He is trying to give an optimistic feel, which is shown when he says, "As I have said, I do not propose to write an ode to dejection, but to brag as lustily as chanticleer in the morning, standing on his roost, if only to wake my neighbors up."(Thoreau). He is trying to persuade the reader to see his side of the beauty of nature throughout the chapter. "Every morning was a cheerful invitation to make my life of equal simplicity, and I may say innocence, with Nature herself"(Thoreau). He uses many optimistic words and personifies Nature to make her seem more like a person and part of the people and their lives. The title gives a straightforward overview of what the chapter talks about. He writes about his life living at Walden Pond and how it changed him and made him realize what he needed in life to be happy, nature and solitude to think. He wanted to live in the moment and not miss anything in life, so he didn't rush into things and learned anything he could. He advises us to do the same and uses "we" and "you" to help us feel a part of his image so we can understand his feelings towards nature and life as well. He praises children for knowing the meaning of life, rather than trying to possess material goods and money and even admits his own faults. "I have always been regretting that I was not as wise as the day I was born." (Thoreau). He shows Emerson's idea of appreciating nature and encourages people not to waste their lives earning money and trying to become rich, but rather to live life happily and work their hardest for their personal goals.