Question

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Stranded
Tracy Wilson
Read the passage on the left to answer the following questions:
1) Which BEST expresses a theme in this selection?
A)
Live richly
B) Live fairly
C)
Live naturally
en the morning air is sultry today. I would have
breakfast last night before sunset, but I knew that
w spoil before morning. Drinking my water warm
e getting used to. It's funny how we take certain
for granted. If I become desperate I can always
the freeze dried rations, but that defeats my
mg here to begin with. Besides, they are about as
ugh, dry bark in a long dead tree. I think I have
Co track the time by the rays of the sun. Time,
sto sit in a pot unable to boil if your eye isn't
Time seems to be the only thing that man
control; but I am sure some genius Like Fred
tly working on it, while sitting in a cubicle
thousand emails on his smart phone. As for
ean back on this dune and nap a while before
D) Live generously.
2) Which BEST expresses what is contrasted in this selection?

Answer 1

The correct answer is option C. The theme 'Live naturally' is most prevalent throughout the provided passages, as seen in the attitudes and actions of the individuals seeking simplicity and connection with nature. The best expression of contrast is the divide between nature's indifference and the human struggle for survival or simplicity, highlighted by various observations and experiences with the natural world versus societal influences.

Step-by-step explanation:

To identify the theme in a literary selection, one must look closely at the recurring ideas and the overall message the author conveys throughout the text. In this case, the notion of living according to inherent natural values and principles is a theme that permeates through the passages. The best choice that expresses this theme is Live naturally.

The passages repeatedly showcase individuals who seek to simplify their lives, connect with nature, and escape the complications of society. Thoreau explicitly explores this in his deliberate move to the woods to live deeply and suck out the marrow of life, which is a direct embodiment of the theme to Live naturally. Huck also observes the interplay between man and nature near the river, revealing the contrasts between natural beauty and the exploitation or corruption of society.

Turning to the second question, the best expression of what is contrasted in these selections is the dichotomy between nature's indifference and the human struggle for survival, meaning or simplicity. The passage describing the wind tower standing indifferent to the correspondent's plight is a vivid example. Here, nature is personified as not being cruel or wise, just indifferent to human struggles.

This concept is further echoed in Huck's realization that the natural world is not a pure escape from society, and in Thoreau's willingness to confront the essential facts of life rather than resigning to societal expectations. The contrast lies in the purity and indifference of nature versus the flaws, demands, and struggles of human society.