Final answer:
The word 'waded' creates a vivid image of the level of dirt and filth in the compartment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author's decision to use the word waded in the text creates a vivid image for the reader. It emphasizes the level of dirt and filth in the compartment, suggesting that the passengers had to physically move through it as if they were wading through water. This word choice helps to convey the intense discomfort and unsanitary conditions of the journey.
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