Thoreau's Walden in ch. 2 what does he mean"This frame, so slightly clad, was a sort of crystallization around me, and reacted on the builder. It was suggestive somewhat as a picture in outlines. "?

Question

I don't understand what he is referring to the frame, crystallization, reacted on the builder, picture of outline.

Here is the beginning of the paragraph that lead to these two sentences. Thanks

The only house I had been the owner of before, if I except a boat, was a tent, which I used occasionally when making excursions in the summer, and this is still rolled up in my garret; but the boat, after passing from hand to hand has gone down the stream of time. With this more substantial shelter about me, I had made some progress toward settling in the world. This frame, so slightly clad, was a sort of crystallization around me, and reacted on the builder. It was suggestive somewhat as a picture in outlines.

Answer 1

That is such a beautiful passage... and it is so much easier to enjoy it when you don't have to analyze it, yes? I think he is talking about the building he is standing in... he feels safe in there and he is aware that the builder has created that very beautiful, but minimal place. The lines of the building seemed to mimic the farm, itself,

. He could see the heart of the farm even in the building. Maybe?