Final answer:
The excerpts seem to be from a literary text illustrating characters in dire situations, focusing on themes of danger and survival with vivid descriptions intended to evoke strong emotional responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpts provided appear to be from a work of literature, most likely focusing on intense scenarios of danger, excitement, and survival. They describe vivid scenes where characters face perilous situations, involving a circle moved to form a herd of steers or the harrowing experience of someone nearly being hanged. The distress and real pain of the characters are palpable, suggesting a deep dive into human emotions and the physical sensations associated with life-threatening circumstances.
From the scenarios mentioned, it seems like these passages aim to evoke a visceral reaction from the reader, making the reader feel the characters' fear, desperation, and ultimately their relief or escape. Such descriptive narrative is typical of fiction or creative writing pieces that require students to analyze the text for themes, character development, and the use of literary devices.