Final answer:
The texts use descriptive language and symbolic representations to vividly depict landscapes and cultural dynamics, often to establish mood, emphasize themes, and offer insights into characters' perspectives or broader societal contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpts from various texts provide rich imagery and allegorical language that describe the transformation of landscapes and societies. The use of descriptive phrases such as “Watched the prairies move in the sunlight” and the invocation of Western iconography through terms like “two cowboys heading for a bar” or a “gunfight” help to create vivid mental pictures and connote movement as well as cultural dynamics.
Connotations of progress and the relentless push westward in America are also captured in the imagery of “American Progress,” where the allegorical figure of America moves west with symbols of innovation like a school book and the telegraph.
In literature, these descriptions often serve to establish a scene's mood, emphasize themes, and create a connection between the reader and the narrative. The phrase “Nothing but blondes in the whole states” might be hyperbolic, indicating a homogeneous society or a skewed perspective, contributing to the tone and offering insights into a character's viewpoint or the cultural context. The various passages with their evocative language and symbolism illustrate how authors craft their narratives to communicate broader themes and immerse readers in their textual world.