Question

The universal theme of Passage 1 is the tension

between freedom and responsibility, and the universal
theme of Passage 2 is the conflict between an
individual's desires and the community's needs. How
do these universal themes relate to each other?
O They both show that putting desires before
responsibility can put one's community at risk.
O They both show that responsibility to one's
community is the most important part of survival.
They both show that personal freedom is
preferable to responsibility to community.
O They both show that people demonstrate
responsibility to community differently.

Answer 1

The themes of freedom versus responsibility and individual desires versus community needs both suggest the necessity for a balance between personal liberty and societal obligations, as reflected in the given excerpts. Twain's anecdote illustrates reliance on self-confidence and knowledge while Thoreau's philosophy inspires a reassessment of personal freedom within societal frameworks.

Step-by-step explanation:

The universal theme of tension between freedom and responsibility in Passage 1 and the conflict between an individual's desires and the community's needs in Passage 2 are interrelated. Both themes suggest a balance must be struck between the individual's pursuit of freedom or desires and their obligations to the broader society. In the Mark Twain excerpt, the conflict arises as Twain question his ability to run a crossing due to increasing pressure, highlighting the importance of relying on one's own knowledge and training over doubt. Similarly, Alex Jones's essay on Thoreau discusses the balance between personal freedom and societal responsibilities, showcasing how Thoreau's philosophies inspire readers to reassess their lives with regard to governmental and social constraints.