Final answer:
The passages are literary in nature and represent visual imagery and symbolisms found in literature, likely to be analyzed in a college English course.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passages provided appear to come from various pieces of literature, highlighting themes related to the daily activities of various workers, the natural environment, sea-related imagery, and the interplay of light and shadow. These could form part of a literature course where students analyze imagery, symbolism, and themes in literature.
Phrases such as 'I tread day and night such roads', and 'Fly on, sea-birds! fly sideways', evoke sensory images that showcase the authors' ability to paint vivid pictures with words.
Additionally, references to 'pear-shaped balloon' and 'the white sails of schooners' provide concrete visual images that could be deciphered for deeper meanings. Overall, the excerpts require an analysis of literary devices such as metaphors, similes, personification, and synecdoche.