Chapter 2, Fountainhead Summary and Analysis

In chapter two the author introduces Michel de Montaigne. Montaigne is considered by some to be the greatest essayist who ever lived. Both his father and mother's families are prominent people. Montaigne is considered lazy and is greatly indulged by his father. He studies law and practices until he is thirty-eight. Around this time Montaigne suffers the loss of his best friend, Etienne de La Boetie. Montaigne takes his wife and moves to the family estate to retire where he will study and write.

Montaigne's first book is not personal but is a great success and so Montaigne is spurred to write another book. Montaigne gets the idea that he will publish a full portrayal of himself in his books. Montaigne will claim he is the first to do this although it is argued by some that Saint Augustine...