Final answer:
The author's purpose in this passage is to tell an amusing and exciting narrative adventure (A) that also conveys a deeper message about personal growth and reliance on knowledge. The narrative uses conflict and tension to engage readers and to reveal the author's experiences in an entertaining way.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author's purpose in a passage can be identified through several factors including the theme, the conflict, and the narrative style. In the example provided, it is mentioned that Mark Twain's anecdote from his memoir reveals a situation where he first feels confident about handling a crossing but starts to second-guess himself due to external pressure. This introduces the theme of relying on one's knowledge and training over succumbing to fear. Therefore, the author's purpose is to convey a message through an entertaining narrative that also teaches a lesson, which aligns with purpose (A) to tell an amusing and exciting narrative adventure.
The discussion questions provided also imply that Twain's anecdote serves to reveal his experience of learning to be a riverboat pilot, showing a personal growth theme and contributing to the larger framework of educating the reader through an entertaining story. Additionally, the tension built within the story supports the conflict and aids in engaging the reader, thereby fulfilling an entertaining purpose. In the case of Washington's story about a former slave, the purpose is also not purely informative but is used to provide a context and import to engage students in history.