Question

What does it mean for the "muddy bosom" to turn "golden in the sunset"?

a.) The speaker has seen many people die in the arms of the Mississippi River.
b.) The speaker's descendants will move on to a different river in a different part of the world.
c.) Though the Mississippi was muddied by the slave trade, it is eventually "cleaned."
d.) The Mississippi had a history of environmental contamination, but will be cleaned up eventually for other generations.

Answer 1

The phrase 'muddy bosom' turning 'golden in the sunset' metaphorically represents a transformation from a troubled past to a hopeful present, related to the history of the Mississippi River and symbolism of change. The correct answer is option d.) The Mississippi had a history of environmental contamination, but will be cleaned up eventually for other generations.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the phrase "muddy bosom" turns "golden in the sunset," it is most likely utilizing a metaphor to describe a scene where the muddy waters of the Mississippi River are transformed by the setting sun's golden light, casting a beautiful and serene glow over the river.

This transformation can symbolize a change from a turbulent or troubled past to a more hopeful and peaceful present or future. Given the context of the provided excerpts, which include reflections on the river's associations with slavery, labor, and human suffering, the correct choice would likely be option c:

Though the Mississippi was muddied by the slave trade, it is eventually "cleaned" in a metaphorical sense, reflecting a more positive or redemptive state as seen in the beauty of the sunset.