Final answer:
Roger's realization that he can transform his own life is a metaphor for self-empowerment and personal change, denoting a break from past constraints and the courage to embrace a new, autonomous future.
Step-by-step explanation:
Roger receives a second chance in more ways than one; he learns he can transform his own life. This statement implies a realization of self-empowerment and change. Roger's profound internal change is reflected in the passage wherein a consciousness of power stirs within him, symbolizing a newfound recognition of personal autonomy and capability. The act of standing up and stretching out his hands symbolizes his readiness to take action in his life. The sense of freedom he experiences manifests as a desire to work, live, and love without constraints—a right he views as inherently his.
The excerpt implies a rejection of former obligations and a loathing for his previous life at the mill, suggesting a revolutionary personal transformation in Roger's understanding of what he is entitled to and capable of accomplishing. His tight hold on the scrap of paper represents his grasp on the new life choices before him.
When practicing verb tense consistency with peer partners, keep in mind that events happen at different times, which may necessitate a combination of past and present tenses in the practice sentences. The choice of the correct tense contributes to the clarity and effectiveness of the narrative.