Final answer:
The author of 'A Long Walk to Water' has strategically structured chapter 17 to relate to previous sections by creating parallels and echoing experiences and challenges, thereby emphasizing the characters' transformation and using water imagery for universal symbolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The strategic structuring of chapter 17 in A Long Walk to Water is crafted to create parallels with previous sections of the book. The author effectively connects various elements from earlier in the narrative to provide a coherent and impactful story arc. This technique not only augments the overall thematic development but also aids in reinforcing the emotional and psychological growth of the characters.
These narrative decisions can elicit a range of reactions from the reader, from anxiety to inspiration, by echoing earlier experiences and challenges faced by the characters, thereby emphasizing the journey and transformation they have undergone. The author's inclusion of specific scenes, such as water-related imagery, also taps into the universal symbolism of water as life-sustaining and transformative, which can resonate deeply with the reader.