Final answer:
The Mississippi River is significant to Sterling's work due to its representation of American history and culture, social and economic power dynamics, and its literary significance as seen in the writings of Mark Twain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mississippi River is pertinent to Sterling's work because it serves as a symbol of American social and economic history, which is intricately linked to themes of race, commerce, and environment. As the backbone of the steamboat era and the cotton industry, the Mississippi River enabled the transportation of goods and illustrated the societal divides between enslaved Black people serving in the steamboats and the affluent White passengers they catered to.
Furthermore, authors like Mark Twain have used the river as a setting in literature to explore deeply rooted American ideals, such as in his classic work 'Life on the Mississippi', where the river and shore scenes are said to reflect the true expression of those ideals. Even in examining maps for the river's pathways, we learn about its historical meandering and significance. The Mississippi River, being interwoven into stories and art, contributes to a broader understanding of American culture and identity, which is reflected in creative works like Sterling's.