Final answer:
Henry David Thoreau's quote is aimed at expressing the transcendentalist value of individualism and the importance of following one's own path, aligning with the broader themes in his works such as "Civil Disobedience" and "Walden; Or, Life in the Woods".
Step-by-step explanation:
The author's purpose for the quote by Henry David Thoreau, "if a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away", is to express the transcendentalist value of individualism. Transcendentalists, including Thoreau, emphasized the relationship and mystical oneness with the universe, urging individuals to live deliberately and to be self-reliant. Thoreau's own writings, such as "Civil Disobedience" and "Walden; Or, Life in the Woods", highlight themes of freedom from governmental and social constraints, advocating for living according to one's own beliefs and principles.
Thus, the best option that determines the author's purpose is B. Thoreau’s quote expresses that individualism is of paramount importance. This aligns with the transcendental notion that true community can only form from truly self-reliant individuals, as seen in Thoreau's works. Thoreau's philosophy is one that values the importance of the individual distinguishing their own path in life, which is exemplified in the quote.