Question

What purpose do the historical anecdotes serve in James Baldwin's "For Want of a Horseshoe Nail" and Robert E. Lee's "Letter to His Son"?

a. They serve as attention-grabbing hooks.
b. They serve as emotional appeals.
c. They answer common questions that readers have.
d. They illustrate each piece's main idea

Answer 1

The purpose that the historical anecdotes serve in these two literary pieces of art is that they serve as attention-grabbing hooks. They need to get you interested and involved in the story.