Henry Thoreau utilizes personification to emphasize his idea of obtaining the knowledge of life having a purposeful meaning. “… to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach.” This quote gives life the power to commit human-like actions and Thoreau explains he is mindful of learning what life can give in order for him to understand the meaning of life as a whole and become a better individual. Moreover, he quotes, “… to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms.” This phrase creates the ability to understand how Thoreau is planning to learn what has purpose and what does not. In essence, he is saying he desires to live life in simplicity. These quotes enhance the concept of individuals
