Final answer:
Sandberg describes the events as a "watershed moment" to highlight the significance of the character's transformation and to align with her purpose of emphasizing the moment's critical role in the narrative and in supporting her thesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Sandberg describes the events from paragraph 8 as a “watershed moment”, she is indicating a significant turning point or transformative event in the narrative — one that marks a dramatic change in the character's life or circumstances. This labeling is instrumental in clarifying Sandberg's purpose, suggesting that she aims to underscore the importance of the character's experience and transformation, a move that might be central to the thesis being developed. The term “watershed moment” often implies a period of enlightenment or a new beginning, and in doing so, Sandberg not only stresses the moment's weight within the story but also indicates its relevance to her overarching argument or message.
By characterizing a specific moment as a watershed, Sandberg does more than progress the plot; she invites the reader to reflect on the significance of the event within the larger context. This aligns with the narrative's theme and Garrison's thesis about the evolution and self-realization of the character. The pivotal nature of the events in paragraph 8 is further elaborated through the use of vivid descriptions, symbolisms like storms, and character reflections, which all reinforce the watershed moment's role in the narrative's development and in conveying Sandberg's intent.