Question

When arranging his list of virtues, the author compares himself to one “who, having a garden to weed, does not attempt to eradicate all the bad herbs at once . . . but works on one of the beds at a time.” Which of his own actions does he mean this comparison to illustrate?

a.
never doing two things at once
b.
eating only moderate amounts
c.
being good to his friends and hard on his enemies
d.
trying to master one virtue at a time

Answer 1

D. Trying to master one virtue at a time.

Step-by-step explanation:

The usage of metaphors is a common technique for the authors to elaborate, illustrate and emphasize their message more effectively. Similarly, here also the author employs the metaphor of weeds to exemplify the intended qualities that he feels of himself and suggests that one should pursue and master one virtue at a time. He says that if someone has a garden to weed(bad habits or deeds to rectify), it doesn't imply that one would eradicate all the bad herb(follies) at one time. But rather one should go step by step to eradicate these evils. Thus, this comparison illustrates his attempt to master one virtue at a time.

Answer 2

What the author meant by "having a garden to weed, does not attempt to eradicate all the bad herbs at once...but works on one of the beds at a time" would also mean that he is trying to master one virtue at a time, hence letter d.