In the second paragraph of "spring" in walden, how does the contrast of two time periods aid the development of a theme? thoreau’s description of a burst of light on a winter day resembles his own enlightenment. the introduction of light into a cold, dark setting reflects thoreau’s happiness at being separate from society. thoreau is surprised by the appearance of spring sunlight, just as he is surprised at the discoveries he makes about nature during the course of his time in the woods. the feeling of happiness thoreau describes at the changing of the seasons parallels his contentment as his self-knowledge grows.