Final answer:
To discern the writer's motive, one analyzes the essay for its primary purpose, whether to persuade, inform, entertain, describe or explain. Clues such as rhetorical strategies and themes guide the assessment, pointing toward whether the author aims for economic gain, status, strategic benefit, or creative expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assessing the writer’s motive for writing an essay requires analysis of the text to determine the overarching purpose and theme. The options presented suggest various motives, such as economic benefit to the writer (as a celery farmer), aspirational status (becoming England’s Celery King), strategic market manipulation (cheaper apple procurement), or creative expression (writing a lighthearted, comedic piece). To categorize the author's intent, one would look for clues within the essay that point to the author's desire to persuade readers toward a certain view or behavior, to inform them with facts or knowledge, entertain them with humor or drama, to describe vividly a scene or subject, or to explain concepts or ideas clearly.
For example, the author may use rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, and logos), persuasive language, and statistical evidence to persuade; detailed descriptions, anecdotes, and sensory language to entertain; clear and concise language and structured explanation to inform or explain; and vivid imagery and artistic expression to describe. The text quotes provided from Leaves of Grass and excerpts from other literature allude to themes of life's simple pleasures, humor in the ordinary, and contemplation of society, which might support the choice that aligns with lightheartedness and seasonal change.