Question

Read the excerpt from “Conclusion” in Walden.

The surface of the earth is soft and impressible by the feet of men; and so with the paths which the mind travels. How worn and dusty, then, must be the highways of the world, how deep the ruts of tradition and conformity! I did not wish to take a cabin passage, but rather to go before the mast and on the deck of the world, for there I could best see the moonlight amid the mountains. I do not wish to go below now.
Which best describes the purpose of the imagery in the excerpt?

Answer 1

B) It illustrates Thoreau’s goal to continue exploring the world around him in a unique and fulfilling way.

Answer 2

The imagery might be described the author´s aim to continuo exploring the world in his unique and rewarding way. The idea of the "earth" being "soft" and "impressible by the feet of men", give the reader the idea of something unique ready to be explore. Even this remark "to go before the mast and on the deck of the world, for there I could best see the moonlight amid the mountains" might reveal that he is willing to explore and to find new things in this amazing world.